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Recognizing Plant Families
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Suggested citation:

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 2021. Recognizing
Plant Families of the West: Field Guide. Bureau of Land Management, Colorado.

Copies available from:
Bureau of Land Management
National Operations Center

Printed Materials Distribution Services
blm_oc_pmds@bIm.gov

BLM/CO/ST-21/004

Cover Photo: Helianthella quinquenervis and Castilleja spp., Lake County, Colorado, Phil Krening

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Recognizing Plant Families
of the West

Field Guide

Carol Dawson, PhD

State Botanist
Bureau of Land Management, Colorado

Phil Krening
Conservation Specialist
_ Espinoza Consulting Services, LLC

- Editorial -

Design Renee Garfias
Photo Editor Phil Krening
Communications Brittany Sprout

- Contributing Photographers —

Patrick Alexander, Bryant Baker, Mary Burns, Sue Carnahan, Gerald Carr,
Carol Dawson, Jeffrey Dawson, Naomi Fraga, Peter Gordon,
Marlin Harms, Michael Kauffmann, Phil Krening, Olivia Kwong,
Matt Lavin, Steve Matson, Phillip Merritt, Cheryl Moorehead,
Corey Raimond, Jon Rikberg, Michael Remke, Dave Sollenberger,
Thomas Stoughton, Dale Swenarton, Amadej Trnkoczy,

Luke Wimmer, Ron Wolf, Lorraine Yeatts

BLM Library
Denver Federal Center
Bidg. 50, OC-521

Rf) Box 25047

"The urge to classify Is a
fundamental human instinct;
like the predisposition to sin,
it accompanies us into the
world at birth and stays with
us to the end’

- A. Tindell Hopwood (1897-1969)

Curator, Natural History Museum in London
British Paleontologist

FOREWORD

| met Carol Dawson during the summer of 2013 while she was teaching her class “Flora of the West” at a
weeklong workshop at the Chicago Botanic Garden. On paper, Carol's class looked grueling — a botanical blitz
of the identifying characteristics of around fifty plant families delivered in approximately 90 minutes. Though,
if you opted to skip it, you surely would have missed the most useful and engaging crash course in plant
identification around. Carol's family-based approach to identifying plants brings the complexities and nuance
of botanical wizardry into the realm, not only of the accessible, but the relatable.

Having worked closely with Carol over the last eight years, | have sat through her class a dozen or more times,
and | still take away something new each time. Leading up to the 2020 field season, when so many in-person
trainings were cancelled, there was a perceptible void in the transfer of knowledge to seasonal staff. Not just
to botanical interns, but to weed control specialists, range managers, and vegetation monitoring crews. Many
Supervisors reached out for a copy of the Flora of the West presentation to share with their staff.

This first edition of Recognizing Plant Families of the West includes the identifying characteristics of 54 of the
most common plant families in the arid western United States, depicted by over 1,000 carefully selected
images. Much of the original content and spirit of “Flora of the West" has been included in text to provide
broader context and a deeper understanding of these plants, their ecology, and their ethnographic and
economic importance. | hope you find it equal parts education and enjoyment.

- Phil Krening

Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, Colorado, Phil Krening

6 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Foreword

CONTENTS

Be Na ete cea cetera rei Se cichiees sini onshaannn als 6
TRE ESOC 1000) ee seer eret ar ene eee ect 8
GENERAL FLOWER TERMINOLOGY ccsicciectonctsssonenaun 10
KEY TO PLANT FAMILY GROUPINGS... eens 14

Plant Families
Adoxaceae | Moschatel or Elder Family... 16

Amaranthaceae | Pigweed and Goosefoot Family... 19

Amaryllidaceae | Amaryllis Family ...........0cccee 24
Anacardiaceae | Cashew or Sumac Famlly............5 27
Apiaceae | Carrot or Parsley Family wu... cee 30
Apocynaceae | Dogbane Famlly ..........:ceeceeeeeee 34
Asparagaceae | Hyacinth or Asparagus Family.......... 38
Asteraceae | Sunflower Family ......0..ccccceeeeeeen 4?
WY) Berberidaceae | Barberry Family ...........ccccccccccee 47
Boraginaceae | Borage or Waterleaf Family.............. 50
Brassicaceae | Mustard Famiily............ccccseeenee 54
Cactaceae | Cactus Family s.p.c.ccisccccccsecseenecsqessesceneeens 58
Campanulaceae | Bellflower Family.............00e0e 62
Caprifoliaceae | Honeysuckle Famlly...........ccccee 65
Caryophyllaceae | Carnation or Pink Family............. 68
Cleomaceae | Spiderflower Family ..........cceceeee (a
Convolvulaceae | Morning-Glory Family..............0:5 15

Cucurbitaceae | Cucumber Family ...........:ceceeee 18

Cyperaceae | Sedge Family... ..cceececceeceseeen 8]

[Ericaceae | Heath Family... c.cceccereennnenee 85
a Euphorbiaceae | Spurge FAQ oe ee ee
| FT Fabaceae | POa Family ccccccsceseccccscercccdgecesiooecnussecerseensss 92

Garryaceae | Silk Tassel Family ..........c0:scc00 re 98

Gentianaceae | Gentian Family... 101

Geraniaceae | Geranium or Crane's-bill Family........... 104

Grossulariaceae | Gooseberry Family... 108
| HS Hydrangeaceae | Hydrangea Family ...........sseees 1
Juncaceae | RUSH Family..........cccesccseceeeesecsnensies 114

L Lamiaceae | Mint Family .......cccccccccececsesseeeeeeeees 117

Oleaceae | Olive FAMILY ........cccseseuetestentstnen 141
Onagraceae | Evening Primrose Family 0... 144
Orchidaceae | Orchid Family .....ccccscccsssssssessssseevssee 148
Orobanchaceae | Broomrape Familly........0...0:cccee 152
Papaveraceae | Poppy Family.........:..cceccsceec ees 156
Phrymaceae | Lopseed Family...........ccccccceeeee 159

Plantaginaceae | Plantain Family...........0.0.:cceee 162
Poaceae | Grass Family ...ccsssssssesssssssssssesseesecvsssseeeenen 166
Polemoniaceae | Phlox Family...........c:ccsccseesece: 170
Polygonaceae | Buckwheat Family ...........0ccecee 174
Primulaceae | Primrose FaMily......c..c.ccccccc ween 77
Ranunculaceae | Buttercup Family .............ccccee 180
Rhamnaceae | Buckthorn Family.........ccccceeneee 183
Rosaceae | Rose Family... 186

me ~ Sarcobataceae | Greasewood Family... 190
: | Saxifragaceae | Saxifrage Family... 193
Ve Q Scrophulariaceae | Figwort Family... 196
- Solanaceae | Potato or Nightshade Familly................. 199
BAVAd Verbenaceae PETTSUY RAMI Weg ce Sos enictisinesctoeee 202
Le Zygophyllaceae | Caltrop Family «0.0.00... cece 205
(USS CU eae ea aC eee 208

Pe erin a NUE 200 hale ers Sno nee er 21s
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & ABOUT THE AUTHORS..... 215

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Contents il

INTRODUCTION

Background

The first step in the identification of any unknown plant is to recognize the family to which it belongs. For
example, when you look at a daisy, blanket flower, sunflower, or coneflower, even a novice will undoubtably
recognize that the flowers have features in common that make them recognizable as plants in the Sunflower
Family (Asteraceae). In this way we are all born taxonomists—we unconsciously see the differences in
characteristics of everyday objects. Without thinking, our mind runs through an analysis of its characters, a
tendency that leads to classifying like-objects into groups. The entire natural world has been classified in this
fashion. Arranged from a few broad associations all the way down to millions of distinct species. Therefore,
familiarizing yourself with the patterns of even just a few common plant families, opens the door to the
identification of thousands of individual plant species.

The goal of this field guide is to enable readers to identify 54 flowering plant families. The focus is on
illustrating the field recognition characters with photographs. Take the plunge — learn the characteristics of
the plant families presented here — and in short order you will be automatically classifying the plants you
encounter.

About this Field Guide

In preparing this field guide | have used old and new textbooks on plant identification and classification,
published floras of the western states, and lots of other reference material. A complete list of all the literature
used can be found in the References section at the end of this guide. The plant families presented in this guide
were chosen because they are commonly encountered in the western states. However, these characters apply
to the same families found in the temperate regions throughout the world. A standardized format was followed,
utilizing photographs to illustrate the identifying characters, followed by photographs of familiar western
genera.

Patagonia Mountains, Arizona, Patrick Alexander

8 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Introduction

The family circumscriptions used in this guide follow Christenhusz et al., (2017), which include recent
advances in DNA-based studies. Beginning in 1998, the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG) began to
create classifications based on analyzed data and informal consensus among researchers. Today, these
classifications are well-established and followed by most researchers in the field.

How to Use this Guide

The aim of this guide is to enable the reader to identify plants to the family level without using the family key in
the flora of your region. You will need to use the proper flora to determine the genus and species. The first step
in the identification process is to review the Key to plant family groupings. The 54 plant families are arranged
into 3 groups: grasses and grass-like plants, monocotyledons, and eudicotyledons. The key interprets the
recognition characters as they would most likely be observed by a wide range of users. This allows the user

to select potential plant families based on the overall appearance of the flowers. Plant families are arranged

in alphabetical order. Each family page contains general information, identifying characters with photographs,
followed by images of familiar species across the west.

Drawings are included as a refresher for terms used regarding flower structure. Use the glossary to make
certain that you understand what you are looking at — small mistakes in interpretation can lead to the incorrect
family and back to using the family key in your flora! The goal is to give you the tools to rapidly identify potential
plant families without stress.

Throughout these pages you'll find references to traditional and ethnobotanical uses of many different plants
species. It is not within the scope of this field guide to provide detailed information on the harvest and use of
edible or medicinal plants. As with all wild harvesting, caution is required in the identification, processing, and
use of any wild plant.

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Introduction 9

GENERAL FLOWER TERMINOLOGY

stigma
style
peta = [
\
\ ovary
anther \)
filament
ks collectively sepals = calyx
sepal collectively petals = corolla
a5 calyx + corolla = perianth
SA
stigma + style + ovary = pistil
anther + filament = stamen
receptacle

Ovary Position

All floral parts attach to the receptacle. The relative position of the ovary to the other flower
parts is an important diagnostic feature - the ovary is either superior (perianth & stamens
attach below) or inferior (perianth & stamens attach to the top of the ovary).

Superior Ovary Superior Ovary Inferior Ovary
(hypogynous) (perigynous) (epigynous)

ee”
hypanthium

ovary receptacle

10 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | General Flower Terminology

Flower Symmetry

Floral symmetry can be described as actinomorphic or zygomorphic. Flowers with actinomorphic symmetry
can be cut through the center of the flower in any direction and have similar pieces. In zygomorphic flowers
only a cut through a median plane yields two equal halves.

Radial (Actinomorphic, Regular)

Bilateral (Zygomorphic, Irregular)

* be

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | General Flower Terminology 11

Inflorescence Types

Within an inflorescence the main stalk supporting a single flower is the pedicel. Bracts may occur at the
base of each pedicel in the inflorescence. The stalk supporting an entire inflorescence is the peduncle. The
central axis of an inflorescence is called a rachis. An inflorescence that has the oldest flower terminating
the rachis with the blooming flower pattern being outward and downward Is called a determinate type. If
the youngest flower is central or terminal and the blooming pattern is progressively inward and upward the
inflorescence is called indeterminate. There are exceptions to these blooming sequences.

flower

pedicel

bract peduncle

raceme spike
corymb simple umbel

simple cyme

compound cyme

compound umbel

panicle

12 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | General Flower Terminology

apni, >, Ann hlCetlCelh,llClCDlCUM KU DlC UDC LllC LllC GTDC DDlC DCDCDC KDC Dll ell eC eC ell elle eel a lc ce lice lic eller eel eller ellie el ater eellC ee tltiésC—eS

Asteraceae

The head is an inflorescence type in the Asteraceace consisting of a dense cluster of sessile flowers.

disk flowers

ray flowers

petals petals
pappus “____ pappus
ovary A ovary
disk flower ray flower

Park County, Colorado, Patrick Alexander
RE

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | General Flower Terminology 13

KEY TO PLANT FAMILY GROUPINGS

Monocotyledons Monocotyledons
(grasses and grass-like plants) (excluding grasses and grass-like plants)
Flowers lacking colorful petals, small, arranged Flowers white or brightly colored; flower parts
in spikelets or enclosed by bracts, leaves 3 or multiples of 3, perianth of tepals (i.e. no
parallel-veined difference between sepals and petals): leaves

with parallel venation, strap-shaped

Ovary Superior Ovary Inferior
Agavaceae Agavaceae
Alliaceae Asparagaceae

Cyperaceae
Juncaceae

Poaceae

Amaryllidaceae Liliaceae
Asparagaceae Orchidaceae
Liliaceae

Themidaceae

ee nd

Alpine vegetation climate change monitoring, Colorado, Phil Krening

14 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Key to Plant Family Groupings

Eudicotyledons

Flower parts in 4's or 5's, or in multiples of 4 or 5; or with many parts arranged In a spiral;
flowers with recognizable sepals and petals, major leaf veins reticulated

Flowers with petals or
petal-like structures that

appear to be separate
from each other

Adoxaceae
Amaranthaceae
Anacardiaceae
Apiaceae
Apocynaceae*
Asteraceae*
Berberidaceae
Brassicaceae
Cactaceae
Caryophyllaceae
Cleomaceae
Fabaceae
Garryaceae
Gerianaceae
Loasaceae
Malvaceae
Montiaceae
Papaveraceae
Polygonaceae*
Ranunculaceae
Rosaceae
Saxifragaceae
Zygophyllaceae

Flowers with petals or petal-like structures clearly fused to

each other into a long or short tube

Flowers are Actinomorphic

Apocynaceae*
Asteraceae
Boraginaceae
Campanulaceae
Caprifoliaceae
Convolulaceae
Curcurbitaceae
Ericaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Gentianaceae
Grossulariceae
Hydrangeaceae
Lythraceae
Nyctaginaceae
Oleaceae
Onagraceae
Polemoniaceae
Polygonaceae*
Primulaceae
Rhamnaceae
Sarcobataceae*
Scrophulariaceae
Solanaceae

Flowers are Zygomorphic
Campanulaceae
Caprifollaceae
Lamiaceae
Orobanchaceae
Phyrmaceae
Plantaginaceae
Polemoniaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Verbenaceae

* Key interprets some
characters as observed-not
always botanically correct.

On nn cea UUdttdttttEIIIIIIEISISSSSISSSSSSSSSSSSS

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Key to Plant Family Groupings 15

Familiar Western Genera - Adoxa, Sambucus, Viburnum

General Information

The Adoxaceae is a family of perennial herbs, shrubs, and small trees. Species in the genera Sambucus and
Viburnum are well-known as garden ornamentals. Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) has edible fruits that are
used to make jams, jellies, sauces, juice, drinks, and wine. Legend maintains that it is wise to keep a bouquet
of elder flowers picked in midsummer on hand in case a devil wanders by. At least, that is one of the stories
found in Grimm's fairy tales relating to ‘elder magic’. There are approximately 5 genera and 225 species in
the Elder Family.

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Sambucus racemosa, Phil Krening 4
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16 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Adoxaceae Moschatel or Elder Family 4

Adoxaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: opposite, (a) simple or (b) compound, generally toothed

2. Inflorescence: terminal panicles, pyramidal cymes, or terminal flat-topped cymes

3. Flowers: (a) perfect, actinomorphic; (b) Calyx: 5(2) teeth or lobes; Corolla: small, rotate, lobes (3-4) 5
4. Ovary: inferior

5. Fruit: fleshy drupes, can be berry-like

a a7
wit -
way x

m Gerald Carr Sambucus nigra subsp. caerulea, Bryant Baker

Viburnum rhytidophyllu

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Adoxaceae Moschatel or Elder Family

Wi
ie

Sambucus racemosa, Matt Lavin

ognizing Plant Families of the West | Adoxaceae Moschatel or Elder Family

Familiar Western Genera - Amaranthus, Atriplex, Chenopodium, Dysphania, Grayia, Halogeton, Kochia,
Krascheninnikovia, Monolepis, Salicornia, Salsola, Suaeda, Tidestromia

General Information

The classification of the Amaranthaceae (Pigweed Family) and the Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family) share
a complicated history. Some authors have always considered these two closely related families separate,
while others believe these two should be combined into a single family. Both families are very similar in flower
form, however recent molecular evidence suggests that the Chenopodiaceae should be nested within the
Amaranthaceae.

The beet and the sugar beet are arguably the most important economic crop species in this family, along

with spinach and swiss chard. The protein-rich seeds of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) are considered a

trendy “superfood”. Several species are popular ornamentals — cockscomb (Celosia cristata), globe amaranth
(Gomphrena globosa), and love lies bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus). Saltbush (Atriplex) and winterfat
(Krascheninnikovia lanata) are common in arid, saline, or alkaline environments in the West and are an important
forage for wildlife. Currently, there are an estimated 170 genera and 2,040 species divided among three
subfamilies.

Atriplex canescens, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Amaranthaceae Pigweed and Goosefoot Family 19

Amaranthoideae = Amaranthaceae

Identifying Characteristics

]. Leaves: alternate or opposite, without stipules
2. Inflorescence: axillary or terminal, in dense spikes, heads or panicles
3. Flowers: unisexual or bisexual, small, green, usually subtended by two bracts

4. Perianth: petals absent, (3) 5 free or basally fused sepals, often scarious; Stamens: 1-5, same number
as perianth segments

5. Ovary: Superior

6. Fruit: utricle, with persistent perianth or bracts

pa, aa
t PES

Amaranthus palmeri, Patrick Alexander Amaranthus californicus, Gerald Carr

Amaranthus h ybridus, Matt Lavin

x re re Le Le ire Lei etlC LC LT lClCemreEelCUCeeelCUCle,lCOCOCeeelCeelelCe,lCl,lCeelCel lO elCeel,elCkeeelClelCeeelCe,llCr,lClCee,ellCeeellCee,llCelliCi cael, lls

20 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Amaranthaceae Pigweed and Goosefoot Family

Chenopodioideae = Chenopodiaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: (a) generally alternate, without stipules; (b) leaf surfaces with simple, stellate or glandular hairs —
scurfy leaf surface (covered with scale-like particles)

2. Stems: occasionally fleshy

3. Flowers: unisexual or bisexual, tiny, inconspicuous

4. Perianth: petals absent, (3) 5 free or basally fused sepals, often scarious; Stamens 1-5

5. Ovary: Superior

Salsola tragus, Ron Wolf

pea el

Atriplex hymenelytra, Ron Wolf

Atriplex subspicata, Matt Lavin

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Amaranthaceae Pigweed and Goosefoot Family 21

%
aon icc SE

Atriplex saccaria, Patrick Alexander

Amaranthus fimbriatus, Patrick Alexander Amaranthus torreyi, Patrick Alexander Halogeton glomeratus, Ron Wolf

Dap Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Amaranthaceae Pigweed and Goosefoot Family

ia, Phil Krening aa | aio berlandi
att Lavin

Atriplex confertifol.

Chenopodium capitatum, Patrick Alexander

ee x sS ”
& ms) 4 oh NS

Grayia spinosa, BLM Oregon Krascheninnikovia lanata,
Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Amaranthaceae Pigweed and Goosefoot Family

Familiar Western Genera - Allium, Nothoscordum, Ipheion

General Information

The Amaryllidaceae includes perennial herbs that have fleshy rhizomes or bulbs with membranous coats.
Many genera in this family are familiar to gardeners as a part of the ornamental bulb trade. In fact, the genus
Allium is not only desired as a showy garden plant but has been used widely as a vegetable or condiment
since the Bronze Age. The Amaryllidaceae was formerly known as the Alliaceae, or Onion family. The Amaryllis
Family includes 77 genera and approximately 2,140 species divided into three subfamilies.

scordum texanum, BLM Arizona

24 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Amaryllidaceae Amaryllis Family

a, a aaaaanana af fn ff A DA DDD D DD aD wf Ba Ba BD BDH BD BDL aH Do oo oo Hh &

Allioideae = Alliaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: perennial herbs with fleshy bulbs. The outer bulb coat is generally important in identification.
2. Leaves: basal, linear, filiform

3. Inflorescences: (a) are umbels, (b) subtended by 1 or 2 bracts, scapose

4. Flowers: perfect, usually with six tepals (sometimes 3 or 5)

5. Ovary: superior

6. Fruit: a loculicidal capsule

Allium brandegeei BLM Idaho

ie ‘ =
‘ . Wag, 2
By i

ot j :
Allium cernuum, Patrick Alexander Allium geyeri, Patrick Alexander Allium bisceptrum, Ron Wolf

Allium christophii, Phil Krening ) Allium campanulatum, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Amaryllidaceae Amaryllis Family 25

Allium cernuum, Patrick Alexander Allium bolanderi var. bolanderi, Steve Matson

26 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Amaryllidaceae Amaryllis Family

Anac
ee e~

Familiar Western Genera - Rhus, Cotinus, Toxicodendron

General Information

The Anacardiaceae is an infamous family of plants consisting primarily of trees, shrubs, and vines. Prior to
taking a walk in the woods, most children have heard the warning: “if the leaves are three, let it be.” Not heed-
ing this advice meant an opportunity to experience the allergenic properties of plants in this family. Poison ivy
is perhaps the most familiar, however, eating cashews or mangoes can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive
people. There are approximately 83 genera and 860 species in the Cashew Family, divided Into two subfamilies.

Toxicodendron rydbergil, Phil Krening

a
Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Anacardiaceae Cashew or Sumac Family 27

Anacardioideae = Anacardiaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: woody trees, shrubs, vines with resinous bark. Resin canals are present In most parts of the plants,
with a clear to milky sap that may turn black when exposed to the air

2. Leaves: usually alternate, simple or pinnately or ternately compound

3. Inflorescence: axillary or terminal panicles or a thyrse

4. Flowers: perfect or imperfect; Calyx: sepals 5, bases fused; Corolla: petals 5

5. Ovary: superior; Fruit: usually a drupe

“eee
Pirate

Toxicodendron rydbergii Gerald Carr

fe ls
Rhus integrifolia, Bryant Baker Rhus trilobata, BLM Arizona

28 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Anacardiaceae Cashew or Sumac Family

Vea rd
~~ 4 x a ‘
f > -. »
> = >

We
Rane °

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it

PT ts

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Anacardiaceae Cashew or Sumac Family

ee - ~
s of or Parsley Fal ily

Familiar Western Genera - Angelica, Cymopterus, Eryngium, Heracleum, Lomatium, Perideridia, Sanicula

General Information

The old name for the Apiaceae — Umbelliferae — literally means “bearer of umbels”. The name plainly describes
one of the most recognizable characteristics of this plant family — that most possess a compound umbel

for their inflorescence. The Carrot Family includes well-known and widely cultivated root and leaf vegetables,
herbs, spices, and ornamental plants. However, many plants in this family are quite toxic and some can be
lethal if consumed. Socrates is thought to have had a dust-up with poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) that
did not end well. The Carrot Family has a worldwide distribution, with roughly 443 genera and approximately
3,575 distinct species.

Angelica grayi Phil Krening 7

30 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Apiaceae Carrot or Parsley Family

I EES

Apiaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: mostly annual, biennial, perennial herbs and shrubs

2. Leaves: alternate, finely dissected — usually pinnately or palmately compound

3. Petioles: sheathing at the base, clasping the stem

A Stems: ribbed, hollow internodes

5. Inflorescence: simple or compound umbel

6. Flowers: 5-merous, small; Calyx: sepals 0 or 5 lobes; Corolla: petals 5, often incurved at tips

7. Ovary: inferior — composed of 2 fused carpels capped with 2 persistent styles fused at the base
(stylopodium)

8. Fruit: schizocarps, splitting into 2 mericarps. Mericarps ribbed with oil tubes present

Anethum graveolens, Phil Krening

Heracleum maximum, Gerald Carr Perideridia bolanderi, BLM Oregon

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Apiaceae Carrot or Parsley Family 3]

. 2
wh

Sphenosciadium capitellatum, Ron Wolf Angelica ampla, Patrick Alexander

az Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Apiaceae Carrot or Parsley Family

Lomatium foeniculaceum, BLM Wyoming

Familiar Western Genera - Amsonia, Apocynum, Asclepias, Cycladenia, Nerium, Sarcostemma
(Funastrum), Vinca

General Information

The Apocynaceae includes annual and perennial herbs, shrubs, trees, and vines. Plants in this family have
unique flowers that are valued in the ornamental plant trade. Members such as waxflower (Hoya), oleander
(Nerium), bluestar (Amsonia), and milkweed (Asclepias) are frequently found in ornamental gardens. Asclepias
species are an important component of pollinator gardens, since they are the primary food source for

the caterpillars of the monarch butterfly in North America. Other members of this family are important
ethnobotanically. The fibrous stems of hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) are an important material for
many Native American tribes, traditionally used to make bows, nets, and clothing.

The Dogbane Family is comprised of 322 genera and 4,300 species. Five subfamilies are now recognized as
a result of detailed molecular studies. Two of the five subfamilies are Apocynoideae and Asclepiadoideae. In
recently published floras you will find the recognition characters for these two subfamilies compiled in the
Apocynaceae.

* eee

* -
Asclepias speciosa, BLM Wyoming

34 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Apocynaceae Dogbane Family

EE a a a a

Apocynaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: simple, opposite, whorled, or rarely alternate
2. Plants: sap a milky latex or watery

3. Inflorescence: generally umbel

4. Flowers: 5-merous |
5. Petals: often overlapping, twisted in the bud

6. Sepals: fused at base, often reflexed

7. Stamens: and pistils free or fused together to form a filament column (gynostegium)

8. Corona: structures often present on the corolla or on the gynostegium

9. Pollen: packed into a mass (pollinia)

10. Fruit: (a)1-2 follicles; (b)seeds often comose (have plumes or tufts of silky hairs)

Apocynum androsaemifolium,
Gerald Carr

ae a —
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|

lexander

Asclepias cordifolia,
Ron Wolf

Asclepias speciosa, BLM Wyoming

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Apocynaceae Dogbane Family a5

Amsonia longiflora, Patrick Alexander

Ascl

Apocynum spp., BLM Colorado Asclepias cryptoceras, Phil Krening

36 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Apocynaceae Dogbane Family

Apocynum androsaemifolium, Ron Wolf Asclepias asperula, Jeffrey Dawson

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Apocynaceae Dogbane Family

Familiar Western Genera - Agave, Yucca, Leucocrinum, Camassia, Hesperocallis, Androstephium, Brodiaea,
Dichelostemma, Triteleia

General Information

The Agaves and Brodiaeas now make their home as subfamilies of the Asparagaceae. In addition to being the
source of spirits, including tequila and mezcal, this distinctive group of plants is relatively ubiquitous across
the arid landscapes of western North America. The Asparagus Family is large and cosmopolitan, currently
composed of 118 distinct genera comprising approximately 3,220 species which are divided into seven
subfamilies. Some of the consolidation within the Asparagaceae has happened quite recently, many floras
still include the Agavaceae and Themidaceae, presented here, as separate plant families.

Agave maximiliana, Phil Krening

38 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Asparagaceae Hyacinth or Asparagus Family

__elCOCrre_DrlCUeeellCeeellCleelCa less

Agavoideae = Agavaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: perennial herbs, shrubs or trees

2. Leaves: simple, often forming basal rosettes, linear

3. Flowers: usually with six tepals, in two whorls, petal-like
4. Flowering stems: often scapose

5. Ovary: superior or inferior

6. Fruit: usually a loculicidal capsule or berry

Yucca brevifolia, BLM California

i
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|

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ei re eA i Se = Laie : .™ b ae Kae
Agave spp., Peter Gordon Yucca spp., Olivia Kwong Yucca angustissima var. kanabensis, BLM Utah

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Asparagaceae Hyacinth or Asparagus Family 39

Brodiaeoideae = Themidaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: perennial herbs from corms with a fibrous outer coating
2. Leaves: basal, linear to narrowly lanceolate

3. Flowers: with six tepals, free or fused below into a tube

4 \|nflorescence: in umbels subtended by papery bracts

5. Ovary: superior

6. Fruit: a loculicidal capsule

Triteleia laxa, Ron Wolf

wis

Muilla lordsburgana, Patrick Alexander Triteleia ixioides, BLM California

40 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Asparagaceae Hyacinth or Asparagus Family

Leucocrinum montanum, Phil Krening

Brodiaea elegans, Ron Wolf

Triteleia ixioides subsp. ixioides, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Asparagaceae Hyacinth or Asparagus Family

7 a

;
Ste,

Familiar Western Genera - Antennaria, Artemisia, Balsamorhiza, Chrysothamnus, Cirsium, Ericameria,
Erigeron, Helianthus, Heterotheca, Packera, Senecio, Solidago

General Information

The Asteraceae Is one of the two largest families of flowering plants. Plants in this family run the gamut and
include edibles such as lettuce and artichokes, medicines, herbs, alcoholic drinks, hallucinogens, sweeteners
(Stevia), culinary oils (sunflowers), popular cut flowers, garden ornamentals, and invasive weeds. Salsify,
cardoon, endive, Jerusalem artichokes, chicory, sunflower seeds and oil, tarragon, echinacea, chamomile,
arnica, yarrow, and marigolds are just a few of plants that are used by people around the world. The 1990's
saw the revival of the alcoholic drink absinthe that is flavored with wormwood, fennel, and anise. Wormwood
(Artemisia absinthium) contains a compound known as thujone that has similar effects to cannabis. When
popularized in the late 19th century, exaggerated rumors about hallucinations and wild behavior among the
bohemian crowd led to a ban on absinthe in 1915. Sadly, those who danced with the “green fairy” probably
never saw one.

In the West, woody species of sagebrush (Artemisia) are the signature plants of the intermountain basins. As
one of the most widespread vegetation dominants, sagebrush steppe at one time occupied more area than
any other North American semidesert vegetation type — sometimes called the ‘sagebrush sea’. However,
the introduction of livestock after European colonization became one of the major factors that altered the
composition of sagebrush ecosystems. Aggressive weeds — such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) —
appeared with the livestock, changing this plant community forever.

Currently there are roughly 1,627 genera and about 24,700 species in the Sunflower Family divided into three
subfamilies. Using a flora to key out these “DYCs” — or darn yellow composites — requires patience as the
subfamilies are further broken down into 25 tribes in the contiguous United States.

Rudbeckia laciniata var. ampla, Phil Krening

42 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Asteraceae Sunflower Family

Asteraceae

Identifying Characteristics

]. Leaves: basal and/or cauline, alternate, opposite, simple to compound or dissected
2. Inflorescence: (a) is a head (b) surrounded by involucral bracts (phyllaries). The (c) receptacle of the head |
is flat, conic or columnar, receptacle may have chaff (palea=scale-like bracts) |
3. Flowers: 3 types: ray flowers, disk flowers, ligulate flowers. Heads consist of (a) ligulate (strap shaped) ray |
flowers only, (b) ray and disk flowers, or (c) disk flowers only
4. Corolla: (a) disk flowers actinomorphic, tubular with 5 (4) teeth or lobes, ray flowers zygomorphic,
tubular — generally (0) 3-5 teeth or lobes; Calyx: (b) pappus (sepals) — capillary bristles, plumose bristles,
awns, scales
5. Flowers: bisexual, unisexual or sterile; Stamens: generally 4-5, inserted on corolla tube, forming a cylinder
around the style; Pistil: 1
6. Ovary: inferior; Fruit: achene (sometimes called cypsela)

a ‘oiiin 4
Helianthus spp., Phil Krening

Atrichoseris platyphylla, Helianthus annuus, BLM Cotula coronopifolia, Ron Wolf
Ron Wolf Colorado

"
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Echinacea angustifolia, BLM Wyoming Acroptilon repens, Gerald Carr Chaenactis cusickii, Gerald Carr Tragopogon spp., Phil Krening

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Asteraceae Sunflower Family 43

Chaenactis xantiana, Ron Wolf

Artemisia cana, Phil Krening Cirsium undulatum, Ron Wolf

oe 2. \

Cirsium scopulorum, Phil Krening Crepis acuminata, BLM Oregon

44 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Asteraceae Sunflower Family

Liatris punctata, BLM Colorado Lygodesmia doloresensis, Carol Dawson

«> 5 “4 ‘ : ea 4 *
net . i oa ea A a 2 hoa
Ch te EAA nt SE

< a Piles Se r ¥E.
Eriophyllum pringlei, BLM California

Erigeron pumilis, BLM Oregon .

Ericameria paniculata, BLM Nevada .

Xanthisma coloradoense, Phil Krening

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Asteraceae Sunflower Family 45

Senecio bigelovil var. hallit, Phil Krening

Stephanomeria virgata, Ron Wolf

Solidago elongata, Gerald Carr Xylorhiza tortifolia, Ron Wolf Pyrrocoma apargioides, Malacothrix glabrata,
Ron Wolf BLM California

46 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Asteraceae Sunflower Family

Familiar Western Genera - Berberis

General Information

The Berberidaceae is a relatively small family consisting primarily of herbs and shrubs. One species in
particular — Berberis repens (syn. Mahonia repens) — is found across the West in dry, shady pine forests, oak
woodlands, and chaparral. Because of its tolerance for aridity and its attractive densely yellow flowered
racemes and blue-black berries, creeping Oregon-grape has become a popular plant in landscaping. Barberry
(Berberis), barrenworts (Epimedium), and heavenly bamboo (Nandina) are popular plants in the horticultural
trade. Molecular studies have separated the Barberry Family into three subfamilies with 14 genera and
approximately 700 species.

Berberis fremontii, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Berberidaceae Barberry Family 47

Berberidoideae = Berberidaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: alternate, generally evergreen, simple or pinnately or ternately compound, margins generally
spine-toothed

2. Stem: the inner bark and wood generally yellow in color

3. Flowers: (a) consist of several whorls; Calyx: 6-12 petal-like sepals in 2 or 3 whorls; Corolla: (b) 6 petals in
2 whorls of 3

4, Stamens: 6 to 12 — often in 2 whorls, anthers dehiscent by flap-like valves or slits

5. Ovary: Superior

6. Fruit: a berry, capsule, or follicle

ae
Berberis repens, Phil Krening Berberis repens, Phil Krening Berberis fremontil, Caro

Berberis aquifolium, Corey Raimond Berberis trifoliata, Patrick Alexander Berberis repens, Corey Raimond

48 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Berberidaceae Barberry Family

Berberis fremontii, Ron Wolf Berberis haematocarpa, Patrick Alexander

Lf ee
Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Berberidaceae Barberry Family

: me. 2 nr: >
<p Goragin

Sa _? 7 a ~
Familiar Western Genera - Cryptantha, Hydrophyllum, Lithospermum, Mertensia, Myosotis, Onosma, |
Phacelia

General Information

The Boraginaceae Is a diverse family of plants with nearly a global distribution. Previously, the Boraginaceae

and the Hydrophyllaceae were kept as separate families, due to differences in fruit type, origin of the style, (
and false septa within the ovary. Molecular evidence now strongly suggests that the Hydrophyllaceae are (
embedded in the Boraginaceae. Members of this family can grow as shrubs and trees, but in the western
United States tend to be rough, hairy annual and perennial herbs — picture miner's candle (Cryptantha virgata).
Many plants in this family are popular ornamentals, and some species are used to produce colorful dyes. In (
fact, three species of puccoons (Lithospermum) were used by Native Americans as a face paint. Sand food (
(Pholisma sonorae) is a parasitic plant with a buried swollen tuber that was eaten by Native Americans. The

Borage Family consists of 135 genera and roughly 2,535 species.

Oreocarya revealii, Phil Krening

50 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Boraginaceae Borage or Waterleaf Family

_,elClC rr Sle —e—o—leeeelo—o—Deee oles illic ellie, lle eellCeeelliCa (a <a<aiCelllCe,liCi—=le™EDEhRleCC—GE=E$C—=EE]™RCiCllllltisis ln

Boraginaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: (a) simple or (b) pinnately divided, alternate or opposite

2. Leaves: rough hairy, hairs have a swollen base

3. Inflorescence: often a coiled cyme

4. Flowers: perfect, generally actinomorphic; Corolla: (a) petals campanulate to funnel-shaped, generally
5-lobed, appendages 5 (or 0) at top of throat; Stamens: (b) exserted from corolla in Phacelia;
Calyx: sepals generally 5, often fused at base

5. Ovary: superior, entire to deeply 4-lobed with a terminal or gynobasic style

6. Fruit: nutlets or capsule. Ornamentation of the nutlets are key to the identification of some genera such
as Cryptantha

Lithospermum latifolium, Patrick Alexander Hydrophyllum fendleri, Gerald Carr

Phacelia crenulata, Ron Wolf Mertensia spp., Phil Krening Amsinckia menziesii, BLM Oregon
Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Boraginaceae Borage or Waterleaf Family 5]

Phacelia ciliata, BLM California

52 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Boraginaceae Borage or Waterleaf Family

Mertensia spp., Michael Remke

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Pr

Nemophila menziesii BLM California ae Phacelia heterophylla, BLM Colorado

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Mertensia longiflora, BLM Idaho . Lithospermum ruderale, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Boraginaceae Borage or Waterleaf Family

Familiar Western Genera - Arabis, Caulanthus, Draba, Lepidium, Physaria, Stanleya, Streptanthus

General Information

Plants in the Brassicaceae are probably most famous for their economic importance as vegetables,
condiments, and ornamentals. The ancestral cabbage (Brassica oleracea) has been cultivated since ancient
times, and is popular today as kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, broccoli, and cauliflower. Because they
contain potent oils, mustard seeds are used to produce a wide variety of condiments from Dijon to wasabi.
Mustards are popular ornamental plants as well — candytufts, wallflowers, dame's rocket, sweet alyssum,

and honesty, just to name a few. In the arid western US, many are considered to be weeds and can be found
wherever there is disturbed ground. Fun fact: Arabidopsis thaliana, a short-lived annual, was chosen as the first
plant for genome sequencing. The 343 genera and 3,630 species that make up the Mustard Family are mostly
annuals, biennials, perennial herbs, and shrubs.

Cardamine cordifolia, Phil Krening

54 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Brassicaceae Mustard Family

Brassicaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: alternate, rarely opposite

2. Inflorescence: generally a raceme

3. Flowers: bisexual, actinomorphic

4 Corolla: 4 petals forming a cross, petals often clawed; Calyx: 4 sepals

5. Stamens: tetradynamous, generally 6 stamens in 2 whorls — 4 long (inner pair) and 2 short (outer pair)

6. Ovary: superior

7. Fruit: capsule, generally with a false septum (replum), a (a) silique or (b) silicle. Siliques are three times as
long as wide and silicles are less than three times as long as wide

Cardamine cordifolia, Phil Krening

Arabis oregana, Gerald Carr

Caulanthus crassicaulis, BLM Nevada Lepidium densiflorum, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Brassicaceae Mustard Family 55

Boechera divaricarpa, Patrick Alexander

Cardamine californica, Ron Wolf

Erysimum asperum, Ron Wolf Caulanthus inflatus, Ron Wolf

56 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Brassicaceae Mustard Family

Boechera arcuata, Ron Wolf

u wn

apitatum var. perenne, Ron Wolf

Streptanthus tortuosus, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Brassicaceae Mustard Family

Familiar Western Genera - Opuntia, Carnegiea, Coryphantha, Echinocereus, Pediocactus

General Information

Without a doubt, the Cactaceae contains the most iconic plants of the arid landscapes of the Americas. Cacti
have enormous appeal to specialist growers and collectors — so much so that widespread collection of these
species has contributed to all cacti being included in Appendix 1 and 2 of the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The fruits of many species are edible as well as the stems of Opuntia
ficus-indica which are eaten as a vegetable “nopalitos”, common in Southwestern and Mexican cuisine. Peyote
(Lophophora williamsii) contains powerful hallucinogenic compounds and has been used by Native Americans
of the Chihuahuan Desert and Mexico's Sierra Madre Occidental for thousands of years for its visionary
properties. The Cactus Family includes perennials, trees, shrubs, and vines, consisting of approximately 94
genera and 1,150 species.

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- © r .
Sclerocactus dawsonii, Phil Krening

58 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cactaceae Cactus Family

OO OOOO OOOO eee. — —_ — —

Cactaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Stems: thick and succulent

2. Shoots or segments: smooth or tuberculate. The tubercles distinct and nipple-shaped or ridge-like
protuberances or fused into vertical ribs

3. Areoles: spines, flowers, and branches originate from the areoles

4. Areoles: glochids (tufts of short barbed hairs) present, leaves absent or deciduous

5. Flowers: with 5-50 tepals, numerous stamens spirally arranged

6. Ovary: inferior

7. Fruit: a berry

Opuntia spp., Phil Krening Echinocereus triglochidiatu
arol Dawson

Coryphantha macromeris, BLM
New Mexico

Opuntia spp., Michael Remke

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cactaceae Cactus Family 59

al fig

Echinocactus polycephalus, Ron Wolf | Sclerocactus whipplei, Jeffrey Dawson

60 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cactaceae Cactus Family

x
NW WG
: Cy E

Echinocereus engelmannii, Ron Wolf

Pediocactus simpsonii, Carol Dawson

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cactaceae Cactus Family

Familiar Western Genera - Campanula, Downingia, Lobelia, Nemocladus, Triodanis

General Information

The Campanulaceae is made up primarily of annual and perennial herbs and a few shrubs and trees. Cultivars
of Campanula and Lobelia are well-known garden plants. The rover bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) is

an escaped garden plant that is considered the scourge of many a gardener in the Rocky Mountains but is

a heritage plant in formal gardens in Belgium. There are about 84 genera and 2,300 species in the Bellflower
Family divided into three subfamilies.

Campanula rotundifolia, Ron Wolf

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62 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Campanulaceae Bellflower Family

SS ——EOOOOOOOeeeEeeeee

Campanulaceae

Identifying Characteristics

]. Leaves: alternate, often with basal rosettes

2. Flowers: are 5-merous, (a) actinomorphic or (b) zygomorphic, most species have a milky sap

3. Calyx: 5 elongate to acute sepals are fused to the ovary, forming a hypanthium; Corolla: 5 (4-10) petals
fused to form a cup-shaped or bilabiate corolla

4. Ovary: inferior

5. Fruit: capsule or berry

bere 5

Campanula rotundifolia, BLM Alaska Asyneuma prenanthoides, Gerald Carr Campanula aurita, BLM Alaska

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Campanulaceae Bellflower Family 63

Downingia bacigalupii, Ron Wolf

64 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Campanulaceae Bellflower Family

Familiar Western Genera - Dipsacus, Linnaea, Lonicera, Symphoricarpos, Valeriana

General Information

The Caprifoliaceae is a family of shrubs, trees, vines, and herbaceous plants that are familiar components

in temperate zones. Due to recent advances in molecular investigation the Caprifoliaceae now includes five
subfamilies, two of which were formerly the Dipsacaceae (Teasel Family) and the Valerianaceae (Valerian
Family). Many species are familiar plants on the landscape: honeysuckle, snowberry, twinflower, and

teasel, just to name a few. The twin flower (Linnaea borealis) was a favorite of Linnaeus, so much so that he
commissioned two china tea sets decorated with the twinflower. Valerian has been used as a sedative since
ancient times. The Pied Piper of Hamlin is a medieval story published by the Brothers Grimm in which the Piper
uses the rancid smell of the root of V. officinalis to lure rats, and then children, away from the city. There are
approximately 28 genera and over 825 species in five subfamilies in the Honeysuckle Family.

Symphoricarpos rotundifolius var. purshii, Naomi Fraga

a _
Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family 65

Caprifoliaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: opposite or in whorls along the stem, simple or compound, basal rosettes occur in the
Valerianoideae; Stipules: in general do not occur

2. Flowers: Calyx: (a) tube fused to ovary, 5-lobed; Corolla: (b) radial or bilateral, (c) rotate to cylindric, 5-lobed

3. Ovary: inferior

4. Fruits: berry, drupe, capsule, achene

Symphoricarpos spp., Phil Krening Pak etal oreophilus, Symphoricarpos oreophilus var. utahensis, Gerald Carr
Gerald Carr ee a : ae

Lonicera ciliosa, BLM Oregon Symphoricarpos occidentalis, Lonicera involucrata, Ron Wolf
Peter Gordon

66 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family

Plectritis macrocera, Ron Wolf

Lonicera involucrata, BLM Colorado Lonicera arizonica, Patrick Alexander
Eee
»f the West | Caprifoliaceae Hon le Family 67

Familiar Western Genera - Arenaria, Cerastium, Dianthus, Eremogone, Gypsophila, Minuartia, Silene |

General Information

The Caryophyllaceae is a large family of herbaceous plants that should be familiar to everyone because
it includes many common ornamental plants. Your run-of-the-mill carnation, found in the grocery store,
showcases the most recognizable features of this family — a “knobby-knee” at the node. The opposite leaves
connected by a ridge of tissue at the node create a bump that is a dead giveaway for this family. Many species )
are used in floral arrangements, while others are used In soap-making, bridal bouquets or the cut-flower

industry. Several have escaped cultivation to become troublesome garden weeds. A common identifier is the
deeply cleft or ruffled margin of the corolla, resembling how the edge of fabric might be decoratively cut or
“pinked” in order to prevent it from fraying — leading to the name “Pink Family”. The Pink Family consists of 91
genera and 2,625 species.

Silene latifolia, Phil Krening (

68 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Caryophyllaceae Carnation or Pink Family

Caryophyllaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Stems: swollen at the nodes

2. Leaves: opposite (sometimes appearing whorled), simple, entire, connate at the base across the node
3. Flowers: regular, bisexual

4. Calyx: 5 sepals, free or fused into a tube

5. Corolla: 5 petals (4 or absent sometimes), free, fringed, deeply cleft, often clawed

6. Stamens: usually as many or twice as many as the sepals

7. Ovary: superior with free-central placentation or basal placentation

8 Fruit: capsule that opens by apical teeth (rarely a utricle)

Silene spp., Phil Krening

Silene bridgesii, Ron Wolf

ee
SJ

Spergularia macrotheca, Ron Wolf Dianthus armeria, Corey Raimond

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Caryophyllaceae Carnation or Pink Family 69

”

Dianthus armeria, Corey Raimond Minuartia obtusiloba, Ron Wo

Silene sargentii, Ron Wolf

ynizing Plant Families of the West | Caryophyllaceae Carnation or Pink Family

Stellaria longipes, Ron Wolf Silene californica, Ron Wolf

Spergularia macrotheca, Ron Wolf Arenaria hookeri, Dale Swenarton

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Caryophyllaceae Carnation or Pink Family

£%

Familiar Western Genera - Cleomella, Cleome, Peritoma, Polanisia

General Information

Annual or perennial herbs and shrubs are found in the Cleomaceae, often with glandular hairs that give the
plants a foul smell. This family is closely related to the Caper and Mustard families but recent molecular
evidence indicates that these families should remain separate. Rocky Mountain beeplant (Cleome serrulata)
is often used in restoration seed mixes here in the West to attract pollinators. There are 9 genera and 346
species in the Spiderflower Family, depending on which treatment you use.

‘ de nis ori A 4 e” iememmmnag
R Stet —- om : ais j

Cleome serrulata, BLM Utah

42. Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cleomaceae Spiderflower Family

Cleomaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: (a) simple or (b) palmately compound, alternate on the stem

9. Flowers: bisexual, actinomorphic or zygomorphic; Calyx: sepals 4, free or basally fused, generally
persistant; Corolla: petals 4, free, often clawed

3. Stamens: generally 6 (to 27) but not tetradynamous, exserted

4. Ovary: superior, on a stalk-like receptacle (gynophore)

5. Fruit: capsules opening by 2 valves, or 2 nutlets

Peritoma arborea, Marlin Harms

: J
Cleome serrulata, Humboldt-Toiyabe
National Forest

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cleomaceae Spiderflower Family «3

Cleome serrulata, Carol Dawson

Wislizenia refracta, Patrick Alexander Cleome lutea, Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program
—. $$ Cr LLL eee
74 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cleomaceae Spiderflower Family

Familiar Western Genera - Calystegia, Convolulus, Cuscuta, Evolvulus, Ipomoea

General Information

The Convolvulaceae Is both loved and cursed because It contains commonly cultivated vegetables
including the sweet potato (/pomoea batatas), and pervasive weeds like field bindweed (Convolulus arvensis).
Moonflowers and morning glories have been cultivated for centuries, but not only for the beautiful vines.
Ancient Mesoamerican shamans used the seeds in rituals and ceremonies because of their hallucinogenic
properties. The parasitic chlorophyll-less vine Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) is also included in this family. There are
approximately 57 genera and 1,660 species in the Morning-Glory Family of twining and trailing herbs, vines,
shrubs, and rarely trees.

Convolvulus spp., Phil Krening

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Convolvulaceae Morning-Glory Family ies

Convolvulaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Flowers: radial, 5-merous with a tubular, plaited corolla

2. Calyx: (3) 5 sepals, free, persistent

3. Corolla: showy, 5-lobed, petals fused into a plicate funnel or cup-shaped corolla. Corolla often twisted
in bud

4. Stamens: 5, epipetalous

5. Ovary: superior

6. Fruit: capsule

Convolvulus spp., Phil Krening

Calystegia occidentalis subsp. occidentalis, Gerald Carr Cuscuta suksdorfii Gerald Carr Convolvulus sepium, Corey Raimond
76 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Convolvulaceae Morning-Glory Family

mee —e

Cuscuta denticulata, Ron Wolf |pomoea leptophylla, BLM Colorado

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Convolvulaceae Morning-Glory Family

ye S

fHItaceae 4,

Familiar Western Genera - Cucurbita, Echinocystis, Marah

| a ¥ ¥
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in a;
. rates 4

General Information

Members of the Cucurbitaceae are easily recognizable in the field — climbing, sprawling herbaceous plants,
often with coarse hairy leaves. Major food crops from this family are cultivated all over the world. Well-loved
produce including cucumbers, winter squash, summer squash, pumpkins, melons, and zucchini are all
members of this family. The watermelon, native to Africa, may have been selected for cultivation about 4000
years ago. Gourds have been in use as containers and musical instruments in many cultures around the world.
In the United States, pumpkin enthusiasts compete every year in giant pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) growing

contests.

The Cucumber Family is most diverse in the tropics and subtropics with about 97 genera and 990 species
overall. Yet, a number of species are native to the West, including the distinctive yet unpalatable coyote melon
(Cucurbita palmata), which is frequently spotted trailing along the roadside.

Cucurbita spp., Phil Krening

78 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cucurbitaceae Cucumber Family

Curcurbitaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: climbing and trailing vines, rarely shrubs

2. Leaves: simple, alternate, (a) generally palmately lobed, petiolate, (b) tendrils at the node

3. Leaves: generally coarsely hairy

4. Flowers: unisexual, radial, with a hypanthium; Calyx: 5-lobed; Corolla: cup to bell-shaped, 5-lobed
5. Stamens: 3-5, in male flowers stamens are united and twisted by their filaments

6. Ovary: inferior

7. Fruit: berry or a dry berry with a thick rind (pepo)

Cucurbita spp., Phil Krening
PO ee >

Sa ._ is a

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Cucurbita spp., Phil Krening

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« * i iti

Cucurbita spp., Phil Krening Cucurbita spp., Phil Krening Cucurbita palmata, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cucurbitaceae Cucumber Family 19

5 x

Marah spp., Bryant Baker

Marah oreganus, Gerald Carr

80 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cucurbitaceae Cucumber Family

Familiar Western Genera - Carex, Cyperus, Eleocharis, Eriophorum, Kobresia, Schoenoplectus, Scirpus

General Information

A common refrain from childhood is “sedges have edges”, describing the triangular, solid stems of the grass-
like herbs found in the Cyperaceae. Sedges are annual and perennial plants of wet ground and aquatic habitats.
The perennial taxa usually have rhizomes and stolons that are important for identification. Sedges have a
worldwide distribution, absent only from Antarctica. Perhaps the most well-known plant within this family is
Papyrus or Paper Reed (Cyperus papyrus), used by the ancient Egyptians to make papyrus more than 5000
years ago. The stems of bulrushes (Schoenoplectus spp.) have been used for rafts and boats, water and sewage
treatment, and for weaving mats and baskets. The genus Carex is not only an ornamental used in water garden
plantings but along with other sedges plays an important role in filtering water in wetland ecosystems. The

fruits are an important food for birds and other animals. To be successful in determining the species, be sure

that you have the mature perigynium surrounding the fruit. There are approximately 100 genera and 5,500

species in the Sedge Family divided into two subfamilies.

Carex elynoides, Matt Lavin

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cyperaceae Sedge Family 81

Cyperaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Stems: triangular (sometimes terete)

2. Leaves: usually linear, basal, cauline, spirally arranged in 3 ranks

3. Leaves: usually with a closed sheathing base

4. Flowers: perfect or imperfect, without a perianth or with bristle-like scales

5, Floret: subtended by a chaffy bract and arranged in spikelets

6. Stamens: usually 3

7. Ovary: superior, sometimes enveloped by a membrane called a perigynium (e.g. Carex species)
8. Fruit: is an achene (2-3 sided)

Sr
nsis, BLM Wyoming Bolboschoenus maritimus, Phil Krening

Carex mertensii, Gerald Carr

Carex nebrascensis, Gerald Carr Carex aboriginum, BLM Idaho

82 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cyperaceae Sedge Family

Carex aboriginum, BLM Idaho

Carex pachystachya, BLM Alaska

Carex hoodii, BLM Utah

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cyperaceae Sedge Family

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Chicago Botanic Garden Carex utriculata, BLM Alaska
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84 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Cyperaceae Sedge Family

Familiar Western Genera - Arctostaphylos, Chimaphila, Erica, Kalmia, Pterospora, Pyrola, Vaccinium

General Information

The Ericaceae is found primarily in temperate and subtropical zones of the northern and southern
hemispheres. Plants in this family include shrubs, small trees, and perennial herbs. Rhododendrons, with
their showy flowers and glossy evergreen leaves, are top-sellers in the horticulture industry. Major fruit crops
are blueberries and cranberries. Two of the seven subfamilies include herbaceous perennials with evergreen
leaves (wintergreens) and parasites lacking chlorophyll. The signature species in western North America

are the manzanitas (Arctostaphylos spp.). These shrubs and small trees are one of the dominant woody
components of the California chaparral. Manzanitas are eye-catching with their red stems, waxy green foliage
and peeling bark. As a result of molecular data, the Heath Family has 126 genera and 4,250 species divided
among seven subfamilies.

Kalmiopsis leachiana, Michael Kauffmann

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Ericaceae Heath Family

Eriaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: bark often peeling on stems

2. Leaves: simple and alternate, opposite or whorled

3. Leaves: (a) evergreen or deciduous, more or less leathery, (b) sometimes needle-like, (c) scale-like leaves
without chlorophyll in the Beechdrops subfamily (Monotropoideae)

4. Flowers: regular, bisexual; Calyx: 4-5 sepals, fused at the base; Corolla: 4-5 petals, free or fused into a
bell-shaped, cylindric, or urn-shaped corolla

5. Stamens: 8-10; anthers dehisce by pores or slits

6. Ovary: superior or inferior. Disk-like nectary present at ovary base

7. Fruit: capsule, drupe, or berry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Corey

Pterospora andr
Raimond
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Phil Krening

Chimaphila menziesii, Ron Wolf Moneses uniflora, Corey Raimond — Arctostaphylos viscida, BLM California

86 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Ericaceae Heath Family '

Chimaphila menziesii Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Ericaceae Heath Family

Cassiope mertensiana, Patrick Alexander

Vaccinium ovatum, BLM California Sarcodes sanguinea, Ron Wolf

88 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Ericaceae Heath Family

Familiar Western Genera - Chamaesyce, Croton, Euphorbia, Tragia

General Information

The Euphorbiaceae is very large and diverse. Cosmopolitan in distribution, it can be found across the globe
excluding only the cold regions in the Arctic and Antarctic. The herbs, shrubs, and trees in this family are often
succulent and sometimes cactus-like, but all have a milky or colored latex. One of the most recognizable plants
in this group is the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) — traditionally grown as an ornamental at Christmas time.
The seeds of castor beans (Ricinus communis) are pressed to make castor oil. Ricin is a poison that is made
from castor beans famously used in 1978 in London by Bulgaria's secret police to assassinate a Bulgarian
dissident with a special umbrella that injected the ricin pellet. Rubber comes from the Juice of Hevea. Tapioca
root, yuca or manioc comes from the root of Manihot esculenta — an important source of starch for people
living in the tropics. Across the West, leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), a native of Eurasia, has invaded large
areas spreading by rhizomes. The Spurge Family is divided into four subfamilies with 210 genera and 6,252
species.

Euphorbia esula, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family 89

Euphorbiaceae

Identifying Characteristics

]. Leaves: generally simple, alternate or opposite with stipules

2. Plants: milky or colored latex, sometimes clear, watery sap

3. Flowers: unisexual, more or less actinomorphic; Perianth: often absent; Calyx: absent or (2-6 sepals), free
or fused; Corolla: petals often 0

4. Inflorescence: in Euphorbia and related genera (subfamily Euphorbioideae) the inflorescence is composed
of separate stamens and a single pistil enclosed by fused involucre bracts in a cup-like structure
(cyathium). The cyathium may have petaloid appendages and nectar glands.

5. Ovary: superior, trilocular

6. Fruit: capsule

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erald Carr

Euphorbia lathyris, Gerald Carr

90 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family

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Euphorbia brachycera, Phil Krening

Euphorbia brachycera, Patrick Alexander Chamaesyce missurica, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family

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General Information

The Fabaceae is a family of major economic importance. Vegetable crops such as soybeans, peanuts, garden
peas, fava beans, string beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, black-eyed peas, mung beans, lentils,
and chickpeas are just a few crops that provide both protein and minerals to humans around the world. Several
species are used as fodder, forage, and as a green manure to enrich nutrient-poor soils through nitrogen-fixing
Rhizobium bacteria. Edible roots, spices and flavorings, teas, dyes, soaps, perfumes, brooms, beads, wood,
garden ornamentals, shade trees, poisons, and hallucinogens are all products from plants in the fabulous
Fabaceae.

Milkvetch (Astragalus) is perhaps the most interesting genus in the Fabaceae. It is similar to Eriogonum as

it has adapted to arid habitats, with many edaphic endemics in the West. Rupert C. Barneby completed a
comprehensive revision of the genus Astragalus in North America. On western rangelands some species of
Astragalus and Oxytropis are toxic to livestock. Numerous Astragalus species are selenophytes — concentrating
the element selenium in their tissues. Selenium is returned to the soil to be taken up by grasses and other
herbs. Two diseases related to selenium poisoning are known as alkali disease and blind staggers.

Traditionally the Pea Family was divided into three families or subfamilies: Mimosoideae (Mimosa Family),
Caesalpinioideae (Senna Family), and the Papilionoideae (Fabaceae). Based on the most current molecular
evidence, the 745 genera and 16,020 species have been formally classified into six subfamilies. The three
subfamilies that apply to the western US are described here.

Astragalus emoryanus, Patrick Alexander.

92 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Fabaceae Pea Family

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: woody or herbaceous, often with root nodules containing nitrogen fixing bacteria

2. Leaves: usually alternate, sometimes opposite, mostly compound — (a) pinnate or bipinnate,
(b) sometimes palmately compound or trifoliolate, leaves rarely simple, stipules present

3. Flowers: perfect, actinomorphic or zygomorphic; Calyx: (a) sepals generally 5, distinct or fused into a tube
that is somewhat bilabiate; Corolla: (b) petals 5, distinct or connate to form a lobed tube or differentiated
into a papilionaceous corolla. The papilionaceous corolla consists of 5 petals — the banner or standard
(largest), 2 lateral petals (wings), and the 2 innermost petals forming a keel that encloses the stamens
and pistil.

4. Stamens: most commonly 10 or many (sometimes 5), free or fused or 10 with 9 filaments fused and 1
filament free (9+1)

5. Ovary: superior, composed of a single carpel

6. Fruit: (a & b) legume or (c) loment — if breaking transversely in segments

Subfamilies:

Mimosoideae - plants mainly woody, flowers with radial symmetry, calyx and corolla generally
inconspicuous, stamens ten or many, often long-exserted, leaves mostly bipinnately compound, flowers
hypogynous or slightly perigynous

Familiar western genera: Acacia, Albizia, Calliandra, Desmanthus, Prosopis

Caesalpinioideae - flowers generally bilateral (radial), leaves usually bipinnate to pinnately
compound (simple in Cercis), filaments distinct

Familiar western genera: Caesalpinia, Cercis, Gleditzia, Parkinsonia, Senna

Papilionoideae - upper petal (banner) outside lateral ones (wings) in bud, stamens generally with all
or 9 filaments fused around ovary (free in Thermopsis, Pickeringia, Calla)

Familiar western genera: Amorpha, Astragalus, Dalea, Lupinus, Oxytropis, Psorothamnus, Trifolium

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Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Fabaceae Pea Family 93

Lupinus kingii, Patrick Alexander

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Hedysarum boreale, Gerald Carr

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Astragalus lutosus, Phil Krening

Lupinus rivularis, BLM
California

94 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Fabaceae Pea Family

Astragalus lutosus, Jeffrey Daw

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Hedysarum boreale, Caro! Dawson | Dalea ornata, BLM Idaho

Caesalpinia gilliesii, Patrick Alexander Calliandra eriophylla, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Fabaceae Pea Family

Acmispon grandiflorus, Bryant Baker Prosopis pubescens, Peter Gordon

Lupinus rivularis, BLM California Lupinus pusillus, Patrick Alexander

96 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Fabaceae Pea Family

Trifolium parryi, Ron Wolf

Lathyrus graminifolius, Patrick Alexander

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Senna wislizeni, Patrick Alexander Trifolium andersonii subsp. beatleyae, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Fabaceae Pea Family

Familiar Western Genera - Garrya

General Information

The Garryaceae is a small family of evergreen dioecious shrubs and trees. The two genera that comprise this
family are disjunct: Garrya is found in western North America while Aucuba only occurs in East Asia. Garrya is a
component of the California chaparral but also occurs in pine-oak woodland, desert, dune, and montane forest
habitats. There are 2 genera with 19 species in the Silk Tassel Family.

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Garrya wrightii, Patrick Alexander

98 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Garryaceae Silk Tassel Family

Garryaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: unisexual trees and shrubs

2. Leaves: evergreen, opposite, leathery with the petioles connate at the base at the node

3. Inflorescence: catkin-like, pendulous, flowers occur in axils of opposite, basally fused bracts

4. Flowers: unisexual, actinomorphic; (a) Staminate flowers: single perianth of 4 tepals with 4 stamens
that alternate with the tepals; (b) Pistillate flowers: perianth parts 0 or reduced to two small appendages

| 5. Ovary: inferior

| 6. Fruit: berry (a) green, fleshy that changes to (b) dark-blue, black, or white-gray at maturity

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Garrya elliptica, Gerald Carr

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Garrya congdonii, BLM California Garrya congdonil, BLM California

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Garryaceae Silk Tassel Family 99

Garrya wrightil, Patrick Alexander

Garrya flavescens, BLM Nevada Garrya ovata, Patrick Alexander

Garrya ovata subsp. goldmanii, Patrick Alexander
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100 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Garryaceae Silk Tassel Family

Familiar Western Genera - Frasera, Gentiana, Gentianella, Gentianopsis, Swertia, Zeltnera

General Information

At one time, the Gentianaceae was thought to consist only of herbaceous plants and a few woody shrubs. As
a result of recent molecular work, this family now includes a few tropical trees and woody vines. The iridescent
blue flowers common in this family are a familiar sight in montane and temperate zones. The gentian
Eustoma grandiflorum is used extensively in the cut flower industry and is called ‘lisianthus’ by your florist. A
tall yellow flowered gentian (Gentiana lutea) is harvested for its root and is the source of the bitter flavoring in
Angostura bitters. The same gentian root provides the bitter notes in Campari, Aperol, Cinzano vermouth, and
other liqueurs used as staples in classic Negroni, Old-Fashioned, and Manhattan cocktails. In the West, the
monument plant (Frasera speciosa) is one of the most conspicuous members of this family. In mast years,
when conditions are favorable, hundreds of elongated inflorescences of this monocarpic perennial may be
seen towering up to two meters out of the montane scrub. There are approximately 101 genera and 1,690
species in the Gentian Family all with opposite leaves and regular bisexual flowers.

Gentianella amarella, Ron Wolf

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Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Gentianaceae Gentian Family 101

Gentianaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: opposite leaves (rarely whorled or alternate), without stipules

2. Leaves: basally connate (connected with a line across the node)

3. Flowers: (a) 4 or (b) 5-merous

4. Flowers: perfect, regular; Calyx: sepals fused; Corolla: petals fused into a bell-shaped, tubular or
funnel-shaped corolla

5. Ovary: superior

6. Fruit: a capsule

Swertia perennis, Ron Wolf

Gentianella amarella, Ron Wolf

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Gentiana andrewsii, Corey Raimond

102 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Gentianaceae Gentian Family

Gentiana prostrata, Ron Wolf

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Frasera speciosa, Michael Remke Gentiana algida, Phil Krening

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Gentianaceae Gentian Family

Familiar Western Genera - Erodium, Geranium, Pelargonium

General Information

The Geraniaceae is a family of annual or perennial herbs and shrubs. Hybrids and cultivars of Pelargonium
spring up in all manner of containers, hanging baskets, and gardens around May 31st as the flower of choice
for the summer gardener. Geranium oil is used as a flavoring in the food industry, hybridizers have created
scented pelargoniums that are used in simple syrups and infusions. Not all members of this family are highly
sought-after though, Erodium cicutarium, commonly known as redstem filaree or storksbill, is a widespread
weed in open, disturbed sites across the West. Due to their recognizable leaf pattern and unique method of
seed dispersal, species belonging to the genus Geranium are easily identifiable. There are 5 genera and about
650 species in the Geranium Family.

Geranium richardsonii, Phil Krening

104 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Geraniaceae Geranium or Crane’s-bill Family

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Geraniaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: alternate or opposite, generally palmately lobed or deeply divided

2. Leaves: more or less with simple or glandular hairs

3. Flowers: 5-merous, perfect, actinomorphic (sometimes zygomorphic); (a) Calyx: sepals 5; (b) Corolla:
petals 5, can be clawed

4. Ovary: superior

9. Fruit: schizocarp, splitting into 5 mericarps that curl up on a central beak

Geranium caespitosum, Patrick Alexander Geranium molle, Gerald Carr

Geranium viscosissimum, BLM Utah Geranium viscossisimum, Gerald Carr Geranium dodecatheoides,
Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Geraniaceae Geranium or Crane's-bill Family 105

Geranium lentum, Patrick Alexander

Erodium cicutarium, Corey Raimond

Erodium cicutarium, Ron Wolf

Geranium viscosissimum, BLM Montana Geranium molle, Ron Wolf

106 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Geraniaceae Geranium or Crane’s-bill Family

Geranium dodecatheoides, Patrick Alexander

Geranium richardsonii, Peter Gordon Geranium caespitosum, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Geraniaceae Geranium or Crane's-bill Family

Familiar Western Genera - Ribes

General Information

The Grossulariaceae is quite economically important, long cultivated for their delicious fruits: blackcurrants,
redcurrants, golden currants, gooseberries are used in jams, syrups, juice, and as a source of pectin. The
liqueur made from blackcurrants — creme de cassis — was mixed with white wine to create the drink known
as the Kir for mayor Felix Kir of Dijon, France after WWII. A serious disease of white pines — white pine blister
rust — is caused by the fungus Cronartium ribicola Fisch. The life cycle of this rust fungus requires alternation
among white pines and currants and gooseberries in the genus Ribes. Several other rust fungi also infect Ribes.
Shrubs of this family are found throughout montane pine woodlands, riparian areas, and the sub-alpine. The
Gooseberry Family consists of about 150 species of shrubs all in the genus Ribes.

Ribes cereum, Patrick Alexander

108 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Grossulariaceae Gooseberry Family

Grossulariaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: woody shrubs, often spiny

2. Leaves: alternate, lobed or palmately cleft, clustered on short lateral branchlets (fascicled)

3. Flowers: (a) perfect, radial with rotate to (b) tubular hypanthium; Calyx: sepals 5, petaloid; Corolla:
petals 5, inserted near top of hypanthium

4 Ovary: inferior

5. Fruit: (a) a berry, (b) crowned by persistent perianth

Ribes leptanthum, Ron Wolf Ribes pinetorum, Patrick Alexander

Ribes montigenum, Gerald Carr Ribes malvaceum, Bryant Baker Ribes sanguineum, BLM Oregon

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Grossulariaceae Gooseberry Family 109

Ribes cereum, BLM California

Ribes pinetorum, Patrick Alexander Ribes speciosum, Ron Wolf

Ribes aureum, BLM Oregon

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Familiar Western Genera - Fendlera, Fendlerella, Jamesia, Philadelphus, Whipplea

General Information

The Hydrangeaceae includes herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and vines. Many of the species are valued garden
ornamentals — hydrangeas are low maintenance shrubs with terminal cymes of colorful flowers that are also
used in bouquets. Out West, mock oranges (Philadelphus microphyllus) have a jasmine scent and have been
used in perfume. There are approximately 10 genera and 223 species in the Hydrangea Family, divided into two
subfamilies; Hydrangeoideae and Jamesioideae.

Fendlera rupicola, Michael Remke

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Hydrangeaceae Hydrangea Family 11

Hydrangeaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Stems: bark peeling or in narrow strips

2. Leaves: simple, opposite (rarely whorled or alternate). Opposite leaves are joined by a line across the
stem formed by sheathing petiole bases, stipules absent

3. Flowers: bisexual, actinomorphic — sometimes flowers on inflorescence margin sterile and enlarged;
Calyx: (a) sepals 4-5 (10), free or basally fused; Corolla: (b) petals 4-5 (10), basally or completely fused

4. Stamens: 4-numerous, usually 2x the number of petals

5. Ovary: wholly or partially inferior

6. Fruit: loculicidal or septicidal capsule, sometimes a berry

Philadelphus lewisii, Gerald Carr

Philadelphus lewisii, Gerald Carr Jamesia americana, Philadelphus microphyllus,
Phil Krening Phil Krening

Philadelphus microphyllus, Phil Krening

LZ Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Hydrangeaceae Hydrangea Family

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Philadelphus microphyllus, BLM Utah

Whipplea modesta, Gerald Carr Jamesia americana, Mary Burns Fendlera rupicola, Matt Lavin

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Hydrangeaceae Hydrangea Family kis

Familiar Western Genera - Juncus, Luzula

General Information

The Juncaceae is a family of grass-like, terrestrial herbs with erect or creeping rhizomes and fibrous roots.
Rushes are found primarily in wet or damp habitats. Plants in this family generally have very little economic
value, though some species are used in basket-making and as fuel. The Rush Family consists of 7 genera and
approximately 460 species.

Juncus arcticus, Phil Krening

114 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Juncaceae Rush Family

Juncaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Stems: scapose, terete

2. Inflorescence: (a) generally consists of head-like clusters, with bracts subtending the inflorescence
branches, (b) bractlets subtend each flower in the inflorescence

3. Leaves: generally basal, tufted, linear, sheath margins fused or overlapping

4. Flowers: generally bisexual, actinomorphic

5. Perianth: composed of 6 tepals, greenish, reddish-brown, to purple-black — often membranous or chaffy;
Stamens: 3 or 6

6. Ovary: superior

7. Fruit: loculicidal capsule

Juncus longistylis, Matt Lavin

Juncus mertensianus, Gerald Carr Juncus nevadensis, BLM Oregon

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Juncaceae Rush Family Hohe

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Luzula comosa, BLM California

Juncus baliticus, Matt Lavin
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116 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Juncaceae Rush Family

Familiar Western Genera - Agastache, Lamium, Mentha, Monarda, Monardella, Poliomentha, Salvia,
Scutellaria

General Information

The Lamiaceae Is a large cosmopolitan family of aromatic herbs, shrubs, and a few trees. Mints are important
economically — valued for their fragrant oils. Herbaceous plants in this family include the kitchen herbs: basil,
oregano, sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, peppermint, and spearmint. Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) calms
the body and was traditionally used in Roman baths. The perfume industry uses the oil from Pogostemon cablin
to produce patchouli. Spearmint leaves are key ingredients in mojitos and mint juleps. Pollinators, including
bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to Salvia and Agastache and other popular garden ornamentals
in this family. The wood from teak (Tectona grandis) is used for building boats, furniture, and flooring.

The Mint Family historically included herbs and shrubs, recognizable as plants with opposite leaves and a
4-lobed ovary with a gynobasic style. The inclusion of tropical tree species has altered these characters a
bit. The Mint Family consists of approximately 241 genera and more than 6,800 species divided into five
subfamilies. The field recognition characters apply to the plants in subfamily Lamioideae.

Stachys tenuifolia, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Lamiaceae Mint Family iPr

Lamioideae = Lamiaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Stems: 4-angled “square” in cross-section — especially young stems and branches

2. Leaves: generally opposite (sometimes whorled), gland-dotted or with glandular hairs

3. Flowers: generally bisexual, almost always zygomorphic and bilabiate

4. Calyx: 5-lobed sepals, often unequal in size, fused at base; Corolla: 5 petals fused into a 2-lipped corolla
5. Stamens: generally 4, with two longer (didynamous), epipetalous

6. Ovary: superior — generally 4-lobed, with a gynobasic style or a single style on top of an unlobed ovary
7. Fruit: capsule

Salvia spp., Phil Krening Salvia spp., Phil Krening

Physostegia parviflora, Gerald Carr

Salvia farinacea, Patrick Alexander

118 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Lamiaceae Mint Family

Lamium amplexicaule, Patrick Alexander Hedeoma nana, Patrick Alexander

Blephilia hirsuta, Patrick Alexander Hedeoma drummondii, Patrick Alexander

Agastache urticifolia, BLM UCBG Hedeoma todsenii, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Lamiaceae Mint Family

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osa subsp. franciscana, BLM California Mentha arvensis, Chicago Botanic Garden

Salvia leucophylla, Bryant Baker

Salvia sonomensis, BLM California
120 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Lamiaceae Mint Family

Familiar Western Genera - Calochortus, Erythronium, Fritillaria, Lilium, Lloydia, Streptopus

General Information

Dr. Arthur Cronquist circumscribed the Liliaceae very broadly, recognizing at least 30 segregate families. The
Angiosperm Phylogeny Group has provided the molecular evidence to have the Liliaceae comprise a family of
perennial herbs growing from underground bulbs and creeping rhizomes.

Today the Liliaceae are the bread and butter plants of the flower bulb industry of the Netherlands. In particular
the tulip has been a highly coveted commodity since the first plants were stolen from the garden of Carolus
Clusius in Leiden, Holland. ‘Tulipomania’ raged in Holland between 1634 and 1637, with tulips becoming the
ultimate status symbol for those obsessed with the flowers. Just like the stock market, the market value of
tulips continued to rise culminating in a spectacular crash. Imagine paying the equivalent of £80,000 for 12
bulbs of ‘Semper Augustus’. After the tulip market crashed, artists produced cartoons depicting the madness
of tulipomania. The most famous is Flora’s Chariot of Fools, with Flora holding three of the most coveted
tulips with her companions, Hoard-it-All and Vain Hope. Plants in the Lily Family are absent from the southern
hemisphere and there are 15 genera with approximately 700 species.

Lilium columbianum, Phil Krening

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Liliaceae Lily Family 121

Liliaceae

Identifying Characteristics

]. Plants: perennials from bulbs or rhizomes

2. Leaves: basal or cauline, (a) alternate, (b) sometimes appearing opposite or whorled

3. Flowers: bisexual, actinomorphic, with the perianth composed of 6 free tepals in two whorls
4. Stamens: 6 (rarely 3)

5. Ovary: superior (to partly inferior), usually trilocular

6. Fruit: capsule or berry

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Streptopus lanceolatus, Gerald Carr

Fritillaria gentneri, Luke Wimmer

Calochortus umbellatus, Ron Wolf Lilium spp., Phil Krening

W222 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Liliaceae Lily Family

Clintonia andrewsiana, Ron Wolf Lilium superbum, Jeffrey Dawson Calochortus nuttallii, Ron Wolf

Calochortus pulchellus, Ron Wolf Calochortus uniflorus, Ron Wolf

Scoliopus bigelovii, Ron Wolf

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Lloydia serotina, Matt Lavin

Fritill

Fritillaria camschatcensis, BLM Alaska Erythronium americanum, Patrick Alexander

124 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Liliaceae Lily Family

Familiar Western Genera - Eucnide, Mentzelia, Petalonyx

General Information

The Loasaceae Is a family of herbs or shrubs, often covered with needle-like, barbed, or stinging hairs. This
plant family was one of the favorites of American botanist Dr. Arthur Cronquist. In fact, in 1992, he passed
away from heart failure while studying herbarium specimens of Mentzelia at Brigham Young University in Utah.
The Blazingstar Family is mostly found in the western parts of the New World and is quite common in the arid
southwestern United States and Mexico, and includes about 20 genera and 308 species.

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Mentzelia torreyi Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Loasaceae Stickleaf or Blazingstar Family N25

Loasaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: (a) alternate (sometimes opposite), (b) more or less pinnately lobed

2. Plants: with “barbed” pagoda-like hairs, needle-like hairs, sometimes stinging hairs (Mentzelia lacks
stinging hairs)

3. Flowers: are bisexual, actinomorphic; Calyx: (a) sepals generally 5 (4-8), persistent in fruit; Corolla:
(b) petals generally 5 (as many as sepals), free or fused to each other

4. Stamens: (a) 5-10 to many, filaments of stamens thread-like to flat, staminodia common — modified to
be filiform, petal-like

5. Ovary: inferior

6. Fruit: capsule with persistent sepals or achene

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Mentzelia laevicaulis, BLM Idaho

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Mentzelia humilis var. humilis, Patrick Alexander — Mentzelia albicaulis, Gerald Carr Mentzelia albicaulis, Ron Wolf ——

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Mentzelia reflexa, Ron Wolf Mentzelia decapetala, BLM Wyoming

126 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Loasaceae Stickleaf or Blazingstar Family

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Mentzelia torreyi, Ron Wolf

Eucnide urens, Ron Wolf Eucnide urens, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Loasaceae Stickleaf or Blazingstar Family

Familiar Western Genera - Ammannia, Lythrum, Punica, Rotala

General Information

The Lythraceae consists of herbs, shrubs, and trees; including, a mix of important economic species, such

as pomegranates, water chestnuts, and henna, bedding plants, and an aggressive Eurasian native that is

a troublesome invasive along waterways in North America. The pomegranate (Punica granatum) has been
cultivated in the Middle East and the Mediterranean since its origins in ancient Persia. Pomegranate juice
has high levels of antioxidants and vitamins C and K, quite popular today as part of a healthy lifestyle. The
syrup made from the fruit is the original source of grenadine, initially used as a sweetener for water before
becoming an essential ingredient in cocktails. The hand-thrown grenade was actually named for its similarity
to the pomegranate fruit; ‘grenade’ is an old French word for pomegranate. In North America, purple loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria) is an invasive species found along ponds and waterways. This species is atop many a
noxious weed list, hopefully to be eradicated in the near future. There are 30 genera and approximately 600
species in the Loosestrife Family.

Lythrum salicaria, Jon Rikberg

128 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Lythraceae Loosestrife Family

Lythraceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Stems: cylindric or 4-angled (on woody twigs)

2. Leaves: generally opposite, simple, entire (can be alternate, whorled)

3. Flowers: bisexual, generally actinomorphic, 4 or 6-merous with a tube-shaped hypanthium that is
leathery or membranous

4. Calyx: (a) sepals occur as 4-6 (sometimes 8) lobes on the hypanthium, epicalyx lobes alternate sepals;
Corolla: (b) petals 4-6 (rarely 0), inserted on inner rim of hypanthium, petals often crumpled in bud

5. Stamens: equal to or 2x the number of petals or sepals

6. Ovary: superior

7. Fruit: dry capsule or leathery berry

Ammannia robusta, Gerald Carr

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Lythrum salicaria, Gerald Carr Cuphea viscossisima, Patrick Alexander _ Rotala ramosior, Corey Raimond

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Lythraceae Loosestrife Family 129

Rotala ramosior, Patrick
Alexander

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Lythrum californicum, Ron Wolf

Lythrum californicum, Sue Carnahan Lythrum salicaria, Corey Raimond

130 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Lythraceae Loosestrife Family

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Familiar Western Genera - Abutilon, Callirhoe, Fremontodendron, Malacothamnus, Malva, Sidalcea,
Sphaeralcea

General Information

The Malvaceae Is a diverse family of annual and perennial herbs, shrubs, and trees. At first glance it is probably
one of the easiest plant families to recognize due to the unique arrangement of the reproductive parts of the
flower, familiar to anyone who has looked at a hibiscus. Cotton, jute, cacao, kola nuts, durian, roselle, Kapok,
balsa wood, linden trees, baobabs, and numerous ornamental species are now grouped together in the Mallow
Family. The mucilaginous sap of A/thaea officinalis was first used to make marshmallows. The durian, known as
“the king of the fruits” is a large fruit with an unbelievably foul stench, that is a favorite food of elephants, tigers,
Asian rhinos, orangutans, and sun bears. Familiar in West, the bright orange flowers of scarlet globemallow
(Spheralcea coccinea) are sometimes known by the unusual common name “cowboy’s delight” — thought to be
an homage to the splash of color these flowers bring to an otherwise arid and austere landscape. There are
approximately 244 genera and 4,225 species separated into nine subfamilies. Stellate or branched hairs, along
with a mucilaginous sap, are common to the plants in all nine subfamilies in the Mallow Family.

Sphaeralcea coccinea, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Malvaceae Mallow Family 131

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Malvaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: alternate, simple, or palmately-lobed or compound with petioles
2. Flowers: bisexual and actinomorphic, epicalyx often present below, subtending the flower
3. Calyx: (a) 5 sepals generally fused at the base; Corolla: (b) 5 petals free or fused at the base to
filament column
4. Stamens: 5 to many, filaments fused for most of the length into a tube around the style (monadelphous)
5. Ovary: superior
6. Fruit: capsule or schizocarp that splits into mericarps (looks like a cheese-wheel)

Hibiscus spp., Phil Krening

ie a |
lliamna rivularis, Gerald Carr Sphaeralcea angustifolia,
BLM California

Anoda pentaschista, Pa trick Alexander Sphaeralcea ambigua, BLM Arizona

2 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Malvaceae Mallow Family

Fremontodendron californicum, Ron Wolf Anoda cristata, Patrick Alexander

Callirhoe involucrata, Phil Krening

Eremalche rotundifolia, Ron Wolf . Abutilon parvulum, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Malvaceae Mallow Family es

Malva neglecta, Gerald Carr

Sidalcea oregana, Ron Wolf

134 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Malvaceae Mallow Family

Familiar Western Genera - Calyptridium, Claytonia, Lewisia, Montia

General Information

In western North America, plants in the Montiaceae are usually fleshy annual or perennial herbs. Bitterroot
(Lewisia rediviva) is named in honor of Captain Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Members

of the Shoshone tribe used the starchy roots of bitterroot as a staple food. Sometimes referred to as “miner's
lettuce”, the leaves of Claytonia perfoliata were also eaten as a salad by both Native Americans and the miners
of California's gold rush. Lewisias’ are popular plants for rock gardens and trough gardens. There are about 10
genera and 295 species in the Miner's Lettuce Family.

Lewisia longipetala, Phil Krening

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Montiaceae Miner's Lettuce Family 135

Montiaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: alternate, opposite or basal though generally in a basal rosette

2. Flowers: perfect, actinomorphic

3. Calyx: sepals generally 2 (to 8), free; Corolla: petals (2) 4-19, free or basally fused, overlapping in bud
4. Stamens: as many as the petals and generally opposite them

5. Ovary: generally superior

6. Fruit: circumscissle or valvate capsule

Lewisia rediviva Ron Wolf

Montia chamissoi, Ron Wolf Claytonia lanceolata, Gerald Carr

136 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Montiaceae Miner's Lettuce Family

Lewisia rediviva, Ron Wolf

oggil, Ron Wolf

Lewisia tweedyi, Corey Raimond

Calandrinia ciliata, Corey Raimond Claytonia perfoliata, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Montiaceae Miner's Lettuce Family 137

Familiar Western Genera - Abronia, Allionia, Mirabilis, Tripterocalyx

General Information

Plants in the Nyctaginaceae are annual or perennial herbs or shrubs. Well-known in warmer climates, brightly
colored bougainvilleas are frequently used in landscaping as decorative hedges. The flowers of the popular
garden ornamental Mirabilis jalapa open in the evening and are commonly known as “four-o'clocks”. Out West,
be on the look-out for sand-verbenas, windmills, four-o'clocks, and sandpuffs on the landscape. The Four-
o'clock Family includes about 27 genera and 355 species.

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Mirabilis alipes, Phil Krening

138 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Nyctaginaceae Four-o’clock Family

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Identifying Characteristics

1. Stems: usually swollen at the nodes

2. Leaves: generally opposite, sessile or with petioles, pairs generally unequal in size

3. Bracts: can form a brightly colored calyx-like involucre in the inflorescence

4. Flowers: bisexual, generally actinomorphic (sometimes zygomorphic)

5. Perianth: consists of 1 whorl; Corolla: 0; Calyx: generally 5-lobed, petal-like, with ‘tepals’ fused into funnel,
bell to trumpet shaped perianth. The lower part of the perianth tightly surrounds the developing ovary.

6. Fruits: (a) an accessory fruit known as an anthocarp (an achene or utricle enclosed in the hardened base
of the perianth), (b) often ribbed or winged, glandular or not

Mirabilis multiflora, Phil Krening Mirabilis jalapa, Phil Krening

Acleisanthes lanceolata, Patrick Alexander Tripterocalyx micranthus, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Nyctaginaceae Four-o'clock Family 139

Mirabilis alipes, Phil Krening

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Abronia villosa, Ron Wolf Nyctaginia capitata, Patrick Alexander

140 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Nyctaginaceae Four-o'clock Family

Familiar Western Genera - Forestiera, Fraxinus, Ligustrum, Menodora

General Information

Plants in the Oleaceae are mostly trees and shrubs with some woody vines, that typically have opposite leaves.
Economically, the olive (Olea europaea) is the most important crop. However lilacs, forsythia, and jasmine are
popular garden ornamentals. The wood of Fraxinus excelsior has been used for baseball bats, hockey sticks,
polo mallets, and tennis racquets. The destructive emerald ash borer is a non-native, wood-boring beetle that is
responsible for the death or decline of tens of millions of ash trees in North America. In the West, New Mexico
olive (Forestiera pubescens) with its blue-black berries is commonly found along streambanks, canyons, and
washes. Single-leaf ash (Fraxinus anomala) occurs in shrublands and pinyon/juniper woodlands. There are
approximately 24 genera and 790 species in the Olive Family.

Forestiera pubescens, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Oleaceae Olive Family 141

Oleaceae |

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: generally opposite (rarely alternate), deciduous or evergreen, simple to odd-pinnately compound |
2. Flowers: actinomorphic, (a) usually imperfect, (b) sometimes perfect |
3. Calyx: sepals 4 (4-15 lobed), basally fused into a cup-shaped tube

4. Corolla: petals 4 (4-6 lobed), fused into tubular corolla or absent (0)

5. Stamens: usually 2 (rarely 4), fused to the corolla

6. Ovary: superior, 2 carpellate; Fruit: (a) loculicidal or circumscissle capsules, (b) samara, berry or drupe

Fraxinus latifolia, Corey Raimond

Menodora longiflora, Patrick Alexander Fraxinus anomala, Patrick Alexander

142 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Oleaceae Olive Family

143

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Oleaceae Olive Family

Fraxinus latifolia, Gerald Carr

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Familiar Western Genera - Camissonia, Chamerion, Clarkia, Epilobium, Gayophytum, Oenothera

General Information

With flower parts in fours, a long hypanthium, and a many seeded inferior ovary, the Onagraceae is easily
recognizable in the field. Just think of fireweed (Epilobium) flowers, found wherever a forest fire has raged in the
West. The genus Clarkia was named in honor of William Clark, who shared the leadership of the Lewis & Clark
Expedition with Meriwether Lewis. Clarkia, Oenothera, and Fuchsia are popular garden ornamentals. Ludwigia —
initially grown as a pond plant — is now considered an invasive species when found growing in aquatic habitats
outside its natural range. The Evening Primrose Family includes about 22 genera and 656 species.

Oenothera caespitosa, Ron Wolf

144 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Onagraceae Evening Primrose Family

Onagraceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: (a) simple, (b) basal, opposite or alternate (sometimes whorled), entire to toothed or pinnatifid

2. Flowers: perfect, actinomorphic (sometimes zygomorphic) with a hypanthium, flowers open at dawn
or dusk

3. Calyx: sepals 4 (sometimes 2-5), fused to the hypanthium; Corolla: petals 4 (sometimes 2 or 5), often
clawed, often fading darker

4. Stamens: 2x or equal to sepals in number

5. Ovary: inferior, stigma 4-lobed (or as many lobes as sepals)

6. Fruit: loculicidal capsule (sometimes berry or nutlets)

Oenothera elata subsp. hirsutissima, Patrick
Alexander

Epilobium anagallidifolium, Phil Krening

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Onagraceae Evening Primrose Family 145

Calylophus hartwegil, Patrick Alexander

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Chamerion latifolium, Phil Krening Epilobium hornemannii, Patrick Alexander

146 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Onagraceae Evening Primrose Family

Chylismia brevipes, Ron Wolf Chamerion angustifolium, Ron Wolf

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Camissonia walkeri subsp. tortilis, BLM Utah

Oenothera suffrutescens, Phil Krening Clarkia pulchella, BLM Oregon

Oenothera lavandulifolia, Carol Dawson Camissonia claviformis, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Onagraceae Evening Primrose Family

Familiar Western Genera - Calypso, Corallorhiza, Cypripedium, Epipactis, Goodyera, Platanthera, Spiranthes

General Information

The Orchidaceae is the largest family of flowering plants. Familiar to all, orchids are easily recognized by their
attractive, strongly zygomorphic flowers, and the vast numbers of dust-like seeds contained in the fruits.

More than any other cultivated plant, orchids have captured the passions of both growers and scientists, with
enthusiasts risking it all to get their hands on the rarest ones. All orchids are covered under CITES and through
history, more than one botanist has become an orchid thief in pursuit of specimens from wild populations.
Today, orchids are the most valuable plants in the floriculture industry, with more than 100,000 cultivars
(mostly hybrids) in the trade. Economically, the most important orchid-derived product is the vanilla bean, the
unripened fruit of the orchid, Vanilla planifolia.

Terrestrial orchids in the wild can be extremely long-lived. This is due to a phenomenon known as prolonged
dormancy where plants remain underground and are undetectable during the growing season. Orchids may
exhibit prolonged dormancy due to environmental stress and is likely a key condition to maintaining high
fitness for long-term survival. For example, Cypripedium calceolus has exhibited prolonged dormancy for
twenty years.

Despite the incredible diversity in the Orchid Family recognition characters are quite simple. These monocots
have 3 sepals and 3 petals, with one petal usually enlarged into a lip. There are 750 genera and about 26,460
species in the Orchidaceae, divided into five subfamilies.

Platanthera dilatata var. albiflora, Phil Krening

148 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Orchidaceae Orchid Family

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Orchidaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: terrestrial, perennial — either lacking chlorophyll (non-green) or green

2. Flowers: bisexual, zygomorphic; Calyx: 3 sepals, free, generally petal-like; Corolla: 3 petals, unequal, one of
the petals modified into a showy lip (labellum)

3. Stamens: generally 1 (to 3), more or less fused with the fleshy style and stigma into a column, stigma
generally 3-lobed, underneath the rostellum on the column

4. Ovary: inferior, composed of 3 fused carpels

5. Pollen: aggregated into masses called pollinia

6. Fruit: capsule, opening by longitudinal slits, containing dust-like seeds

Corallorhiza maculata, Ron Wolf Platanthera leucostachys, Ron Wolf

Epipactis helleborine, Corey Raimond

Corallorhiza trifida, Corey Raimond Corallorhiza maculata, Gerald Carr

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Orchidaceae Orchid Family 149

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Spiranthes romanzoffiana,
Corey Raimond

Cypripedium parviflorum, Carol Dawson

ing Plant Families of the West | Orchidaceae Orchid Family

Epipactis gigantea, Ron Wolf

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Goodyera pubescens, Corey Raimond Platanthera dilatata, Corey Raimond

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Orchidaceae Orchid Family

Familiar Western Genera - Castilleja, Cordylanthus, Orobanche, Orthocarpus, Pedicularis

General Information

The Orobanchaceae consists of the parasitic herbaceous plants, green or without chlorophyll, that were
formerly found in the Figwort Family. The majority of these plants are root-parasites, obtaining nutrients from
host plants via haustorial connections. The roots of newly germinated seeds make connections with the roots
of host plants quickly, and can remain dormant in the soil for years if no host plants are present. There are
about 104 genera and 1,960 species in the Broomrape Family.

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Castilleja miniata, Ron Wolf

hee Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family

Orobanchaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: alternate to opposite, green, simple, blades may be entire, variously dissected or scale-like
and not green in species without chlorophyll

2. Flowers: perfect, zygomorphic, bilabiate, with bracts

3. Calyx: (a) sepals (0) 2-5 lobed, fused; Corolla: (b) strongly bilabiate, petals 5-lobed, fused into a tube and
the upper lip 2-lobed, lower lip 3-lobed

4. Stamens: epipetalous, generally 4 in two pairs (didynamous)

5. Ovary: superior

6. Fruit: capsule

Seymeria bipinnatisecta, Patrick Alexander

Orobanche uniflora, Ron Wolf

Castilleja sulphurea, BLM Utah

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family 153

Conopholis alpina, Patrick Alexander

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Pedicularis semibarbata, Ron Wo

Castilleja haydenii, Jeffrey Dawson Orobanche fasciculata, Ron Wolf

154 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family

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Pedicularis langsdorffii, BLM

Alaska

Orobanche uniflora, Ron Wolf
Pedicularis centranthera, Ron Wolf

Orobanche californica, Ron Wolf
Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family

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Familiar Western Genera - Arctomecon, Argemone, Corydalis, Dendromecon, Dicentra, Eschschoizia,
Papaver

General Information

The Papaveraceae consists of herbaceous annuals and perennials and a few woody genera. Plants in this
family are widespread and most diverse in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Plants in this
family are characterized by a white, yellow or orange sap that exudes from latex cells when damaged. The
white milky sap of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is used to produce opiate drugs such as codeine and
morphine. Opium poppies were cultivated in Mesopotamia before written history. Poppy seeds are most often
used as traditional ingredients in breads, pastries, bagels, and other baked goods. Many familiar garden plants
belong to this family; including, purple birds/golden smoke (Corydalis), bleeding hearts (Dicentra), bloodroot |
(Sanguinaria), |\celand poppy (Papaver nudicaule), and Oriental poppy (F orientalis). In the West, California
poppies (Eschschoizia) and prickly poppies (Argemone) are found in abundance in grassy open areas and flats.
The Poppy Family contains about 45 genera and 775 species divided into two subfamilies: Fumarioideae
and Papaveroideae. |

Papaver heterophyllum, Ron Wolf

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156 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Papaveraceae Poppy Family

_ iii, eeeeelCUelCMlC,lCelClelC ll l(iC Kh lO lC hh lC(iC ll l(iCltCOltCi tt—é—=“N.

Papaveraceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: stems, leaves, and other parts produce yellow, orange, red, milky or watery sap

2. Leaves: generally alternate, simple, toothed, lobed or pinnately or ternately divided

3. Papaveroideae: flower buds often nodding

4. Flowers: bisexual, (a) actinomorphic or (b) zygomorphic

5. Calyx: sepals 2-3 sometimes fused into a cap, (a) shed after flowering; Corolla: petals 2-4 or 6, generally
2x sepals in number. (b) Sometimes 1 or 2 of the petals can be extended into a spur or pouch
(Fumarioideae)

6. Stamens: generally many

7. Ovary: superior

8. Fruit: capsule, dehiscent by (a) pores or (b) valves

Argemone spp., Phil Krening Dicentra cucullaria, Gerald Carr

Eschschoizia californica subsp. mexicana, Corydalis aurea, Patrick
Patrick Alexander : Alexander

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Argemone squarrosa, BLM Papaver rhoeas, Gerald Carr Papaver somniferum, Argemone pleiacantha, Patrick Alexander
New Mexico Phil Krening

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Papaveraceae Poppy Family hers

Corydalis aurea, Carol Dawson Eschschoizia californica subsp. mexicana, BLM New Mexico

Dicentra formosa subsp. formosa, Ron Wolf Argemone munita, Ron Wolf

158 gnizing Plant Families of the West | Papaveraceae Poppy Family

Familiar Western Genera - Vimulus

General Information

Plants in the Phrymaceae are rhizomatous or stoloniferous annual and perennial herbs. Monkey-flower
(Mimulus), may be the flagship species in this family. Mimulus occurs mostly in North America and has the
most diversity in the California Floristic Province. The California Floristic Province is located on the Pacific
Coast of California, and includes a very distinctive flora of vascular plants, 60% of which are endemic species.
In 1996, this province was designated as a biodiversity hot spot. Mimulus, along with 3 genera formerly

in the “Scrophulariaceae" — Collinsia (Plantaginaceae), Orthocarpus (Orobanchaceae), and Cordylanthus
(Orobanchaceae) — have the largest number of species in the California Floristic Province. Mimulus is grown
widely as a garden ornamental. Recent genetic analysis has resulted in the vast majority of the species
comprising Mimulus being transferred to the genus Erythranthe. There are approximately 13 genera and 187
species in the Lopseed Family.

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Phrymaceae Lopseed Family

159

Phrymaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: opposite or basal, simple, entire or toothed

2. Flowers: perfect, zygomorphic (sometimes actinomorphic)

3. Calyx: sepals fused into a 5-lobed tube or bilabiate persistent calyx, tube long and generally ribbed:
Corolla: petals fused into a tubular or bilabiate corolla, 5-lobed

4. Stamens: usually 4, didynamous, epipetalous

5. Ovary: Superior

6. Fruit: capsule

Mimulus cusickii, Gerald Carr

Diplacus kelloggii, Gerald Car

Mimulus tilingii, Patrick Alexander

160 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Phrymaceae Lopseed Family

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Mimulus cardinalis, Ron Wolf

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Mimulus mance: Ron Wolf Mimulus lewisii, Gerald Carr

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Phrymaceae Lopseed Family 161

Familiar Western Genera - Besseya, Callitriche, Collinsia, Digitalis, Keckiella, Linaria, Penstemon, Plantago, (
Veronica ,

General Information

The Plantaginaceae is composed of annual, biennial, and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as, shrubs, small
trees, and some aquatics. In the West, beardtongue (Penstemon) is the flagship species on the landscape.
Penstemon is the largest North American genus in the Plantaginaceae, with a geographical distribution from (
Alaska and Yukon Territory to Guatemala, but occurring primarily in the western US. Among flowering plants, (
Penstemon Is the largest genus endemic to North America. The Plantain Family is home to 99 genera and
approximately 1,900 species.

Penstemon harringtonii, Phil Krening

162 Recognizing-Plant Families of the West | Plantaginaceae Plantain Family (

Plantaginaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: (a) basal or (b) cauline, alternate or opposite, sometimes whorled

2. Flowers: unisexual or bisexual, (a) actinomorphic or (b) zygomorphic

3. Calyx: (a) sepals 4-5, generally fused at base, may appear as lobes, persistent; Corolla: (b) petals 4-5 lobed
(sometimes absent), generally 2-lipped — upper lip usually 2-lobed, lower lip 3-lobed, nectar spur may
be present

4. Stamens: 2 or 4 (didynamous), epipetalous, alternate with corolla lobes, 4 fertile and 1 sterile staminode
in Penstemon

5. Ovary: superior (sometimes inferior)

6. Fruit: capsule

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Penstemon fruticiformis, Patrick Alexan

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Maurandya antirrhiniflora, Patrick Alexander Penstemon spp., Phil Krening

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Plantaginaceae Plantain Family 163

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Penstemon rydbergii, Ron Wolf

Penstemon grahamii, Phil Krening Tonella tenella, Ron Wolf Collinsia heterophylla, Ron Wolf

164 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Plantaginaceae Plantain Family

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Penstemon scariosus var. albifluvis, Phil Krening

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Digitalis purpurea, Michael Remke

Linaria vulgaris, Ron Wolf

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Antirrhinum multiflorum, Bryant Baker

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Penstemon utahensis, Carol Dawson
Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Plantaginaceae Plantain Family

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Familiar Western Genera - Achnatherum, Agropyron, Bouteloua, Bromus, Elymus, Festuca, Hesperostipa,
Poa, Sporobolus

General Information

The Poaceae is without question the most economically important family of flowering plants. Wheat (Triticum)
was one of the first grains to be domesticated, beginning in 9000 BCE. The domestication of wheat, durum
wheat, rye, barley, rice, maize or corn, oats, sorghum, millet, and sugarcane allowed humans to become

less nomadic, permitting the storage of food for adverse conditions, and became important fodder for
domesticated animals. Grains were used to make alcohol in many cultures. Pottery fragments from the Godin
Tepe site in western Iran have residue of barley beer dating from 3400 BCE to 3000 BCE.

Bamboos, familiar in Asian cuisine, are also used for construction materials, fishing rods, bicycles, furniture,
basketry, musical instruments, and weaponry. The oils from citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) are used in
candles as insect repellents.

Grasses are also used extensively in horticulture in lawns, golf courses, and as popular garden ornamentals.
Unfortunately, escaped ornamentals and accidental introductions of exotic grasses have changed the relative
abundance of native plant species and the composition of native plant communities. Exotic grasses have |
altered historic disturbance cycles, including fire and grazing. In the West, the introduction of the highly
flammable Bromus tectorum has greatly increased fire frequencies, placing native species that did not evolve
with frequent fires at risk. The Grass Family includes about 792 genera and 11,000 species divided into |
13 subfamilies.

Phleum pratense, Phil Krening
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166 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Poaceae Grass Family

Poaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Stems: generally round, hollow, nodes swollen, solid

2. Leaves: alternate, 2-ranked, generally linear, parallel-veined, (a) sheath generally open, (b) ligule
usually present

3. Inflorescence: of spikelets, each spikelet having 1 or more florets — spikelets subtended by 2 glumes

4. Flowers: generally bisexual, (a) each floret subtended by 2 bracts (palea and lemma), perianth reduced to
2 (sometimes 3) lodicules, (b) stamens usually 3

5. Ovary: superior; Fruit: caryopsis

Zea mays, Phil Krening Phalaris arundinacea, Patrick Alexander Bouteloua barbata, Patrick Alexander

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Avena sativa, Patrick Alexander Bouteloua hirsuta, Patrick Alexander Achnatherum hymenoides, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Poaceae Grass Family 167

Agropyron cristatum, Patrick Alexander Muhlenbergia sinuosa, Patrick Alexander

Festuca thurberi, Patrick Alexander Muhlenbergia porteri, Patrick Alexander

Achnatherum hymenoides, Patrick Alexander Bouteloua gracilis, Patrick Alexander

168 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Poaceae Grass Family

Festuca thurberi, Patrick Alexander Dasyochloa pulchella, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Poaceae Grass Family

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Familiar Western Genera - Aliciella, Collomia, Eriastrum, Gilia, |pomopsis, Phlox, Polemonium

General Information

The Polemoniaceae has its greatest diversity centered in western North America, and is made up of
herbaceous annuals and perennials, shrubs and vines. Numerous plants in this family are popular garden
ornamentals: phlox, scarlet trumpet, Jacob's ladder, and cup-and-saucer vine, to name a few.

Scarlet gilia or skyrocket (/pomopsis aggregata) has showy bright red trumpet-shaped flowers studied in the
West by numerous botanists as a classic example of introgressive hybridization. Introgressive hybridization is
the incorporation of genes from one species into another related species. The eye-catching cream to pink to
red skyrocket populations along roadsides in the Rocky Mountains are the end product of

this process. There are about 18 genera and approximately 350 species in the Phlox Family.

Phlox diffusa, Ron Wolf

170 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Polemoniaceae Phlox Family

Polemoniaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: (a) simple or compound, alternate or opposite, or (b) mostly basal

2. Flowers: bisexual, actinomorphic or zygomorphic

3. In bud, corolla lobes folded and overlapping each other — appearing ‘twisted’

4. Calyx: (a) usually 5 sepals, lobed, fused at base, with a translucent membrane connecting lobes,
persistent in fruit; Corolla: (b) usually 5 fused petal lobes, salverform to bell-shaped, with
well-defined throat

5. Stamens: usually 5, epipetalous

6. Ovary: (a) superior with 3 locules, style 1, generally with (b) 3 stigmas

7. Fruit: loculicidal capsule

Polemonium carneum, Gerald Carr

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Linanthus dichotomus, Ron Wolf Leptosiphon ai Orus, Gerald a lpomopsis tenuituba, Ron Wolf

Ipomopsis aggregata, Gerald Carr — Phlox nana, Patrick Alexander Gilia achilleifolia, Ron Wolf Paine renacta, Sarai Carr

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Polemoniaceae Phiox Family 17]

Linanthus californicus, Ron Wolf

Gilla achilleifolia, Ron Wolf

Collomia grandiflora, Ron Wolf

2 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Polemoniaceae Phlox Family

Gilia latiflora, Ron Wolf

Gilia caespitosa, Carol Dawson Navarretia tagetina, Ron Wolf Linanthus bicolor, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Polemoniaceae Phlox Family lees:

Familiar Western Genera - Bistorta, Chorizanthe, Eriogonum, Persicaria, Polygonum, Rumex

General Information

Plants in the Polygonaceae are annual and perennial herbs, shrubs, and trees. If you have ever eaten soba
noodles, Breton crepes, or rhubarb pie you are already familiar with a few of the tasty food crops in this family.
Many species of this family are weedy, found in disturbed places and along roadsides. Curly dock (Rumex
crispus) is an introduced species that is common along roadsides in urban areas. Japanese knotweed (Fallopia
Japonica), another introduced ornamental, is now spreading aggressively in temperate zones.

Arguably, the most interesting group of plants in this family belong to the genus Eriogonum, or wild buckwheat.
Based primarily on the work of botanist Dr. James L. Reveal, it is understood that the center of diversity for
this genus is in temperate North America. Roughly half of the species assigned to this genus are found in
California, with most of the remaining species found across the Intermountain West. Dr. Reveal noted that
Native Americans have a long history of using plants in this genus. There are about 50 genera and 1,200
species divided into 3 subfamilies in the Buckwheat Family.

Eriogonum brandegeei, Phil Krening

174 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Polygonaceae Buckwheat Family

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Polygonaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: (a) simple, generally alternate, (b) stems swollen at the leaf nodes (or not)

2. Stipules: united into a papery, onion-skin like sheath around the stem (ocreae). Ocreae present
except in genus Erlognonum

3. Flower: clusters within the inflorescence generally subtended by bracts; each flower may be
subtended by 2 bracteoles

4. Flowers: small, actinomorphic, bisexual. Perianth parts 2-6, generally in 2 whorls (tepals), free or basally
fused — often petal-like, stamens 6-9 in 2 whorls

5. Ovary: superior, styles 1-3

6. Fruits: (a) generally 3-angled with (b) wings or not, sometimes lens-shaped

Bistorta bistortoides, Gerald Carr

Rumex salicifol Rumex densiflorus, Patrick
Carr Alexander

Rumex hymenosepalus, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Polygonaceae Buckwheat Family Wie

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Eriogonum ovalifolium var. purpureum, Ron Wolf

Rumex occidentalis, Phil Krenig

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Polygonum vivipara,
Ron Wolf

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Eriogonum ovalifolium var. nival

Eriogonum flavum, Ron Wolf

176 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Polygonaceae Buckwheat Family

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Familiar Western Genera - Androsace Dodecatheon, Primula

General Information

The Primulaceae is most familiar to us as scapose herbs with showy, tubular, bright pink flowers at higher
elevations. Numerous genera in this family are popular garden ornamentals, such as; Cyclamen, shooting

star (Dodecatheon), yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia), and Primula. Rock-jasmines (Androsace) can be found in
sagebrush communities if you look hard enough. Primulas and shooting stars are frequently seen on rocky
alpine slopes and moist meadows and fens. There are about 53 genera and 2,790 species within 4 subfamilies

in the Primrose Family.

Dodecatheon jeffreyi, Ron Wolf

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Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Primulaceae Primrose Family 177

Primulaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: annual and perennial scapose herbs

2. Leaves: alternate, opposite or whorled, often in basal rosettes

3. Flowers: perfect, actinomorphic, generally 4 or 5-merous

4. Calyx: (a) deeply lobed, persistent; Corolla: (b) (4) to 5 lobed, commonly fused into short tube, or lobes
nearly free

5. Stamens: epipetalous (4) to 5, opposite corolla lobes

6. Ovary: superior, placenta free-central

7. Fruit: capsule, usually opening with apical teeth

Primula parryi, Phil Krening Lysimachia latifolia, Ron Wolf

Lysimachia arvensis, Gerald Carr

Primula parryi, Ron Wolf

Samolus ebracteatus, Patrick Alexander |

178 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Primulaceae Primrose Family

Lysimachia europea, Gerald Carr Dodecatheon jeffreyi, Ron Wolf

Samolus ebracteatus, Androsace septentriona
Patrick Alexander Gerald Carr
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Androsace chamaejasme, Patrick Alexander Dodecatheon redolens, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Primulaceae Primrose Family

Familiar Western Genera - Aconitum, Anemone, Aguilegia, Caltha, Delphinium, Ranunculus, Thalictrum

General Information

The Ranunculaceae is a large family composed of herbaceous annuals and perennials (occasionally aquatic),
woody vines, and shrubs — many of which are quite different in appearance. However, all plants in this family
share two characters: (1) flower parts are separate from each other and (2) stamens are of an indefinite
number. Most of these species are familiar to us as showy garden ornamentals - Clematis, Helleborus, Anemone,
Delphinium, and Thalictrum. Love-in-a-mist (Nigella sativa) or ‘onion seeds’ Is also a spice used in baking. Many
species are poisonous, especially monkshood (Aconitum), the cause of many an accidental or intentional death
during Victorian times. The Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea), was adopted as the official state flower of Colorado
on April 4, 1899 by an act of the General Assembly. In 1925, to further protect the columbine a law was enacted
that “prohibits digging or uprooting the flower on public lands and limits the gatherings of buds, blossoms, and
stems to 25 in one day”. It is also unlawful to pick the columbine on private land without the consent of the
land owner. The Buttercup Family contains about 43 genera and 2,346 species divided into five subfamilies.

Aquilegia pubescens, Ron Wolf

180 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family

Ranunculaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: basal and cauline, alternate or opposite, simple or (a) compound, (b) sheathing petioles
may be present

2. Flowers: bisexual, (a) actinomorphic or (b) zygomorphic

3. Perianth: rarely a true calyx and corolla present (the exception is genus Ranunculus). The perianth
consists of petal-like parts or ‘tepals’; Calyx: sepals are free, 3-6 (20), distinct, petal-like, sometimes
spurred; Corolla: petals free, 3-26 or 0, distinct

4. Stamens: 5-many, free; Pistils: 1-many, free

5. Ovary: superior

6. Fruit: (a) achenes, (b) follicles, (c) berries

Thalictrum spp., Phil Krening Anemone spp., Phil Krening

Aquilegia desertorum, Patrick Alexander . Actaea rubra, Gerald Carr

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family 18]

Pulsatilla vulgaris, Carol Dawson Trollius laxus, Ron Wolf

182 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family

Familiar Western Genera - Ceanothus, Frangula, Rhamnus, Ziziphus

General Information

The Rhamnaceae Is large and consists of temperate and tropical trees and shrubs. The commercial jujube
candy that was popular in movie theaters originally was made using the juice of Ziziphus jujuba. In some parts
of the world the candied dried fruits are readily available as a snack food. In the West, the California or wild lilac
(Ceanothus spp.) is one of the dominant woody genera in the chaparral. Many of the species in the Ceanothus
chaparral produce deeply dormant seeds that require fire for germination. Seedling germination is generally
confined to the first postfire year. Ceanothus species are also important butterfly host plants for various species
of blues, hairstreaks, dusky wings, and skipper butterflies. There are about 55 genera and 1,040 species in the
Buckthorn Family.

Ceanothus oliganthus, Bryant Baker

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family 183

Rhamnaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: mostly shrubs and trees, often thorny

2. Leaves: alternate (less often opposite), simple, pinnately veined or with 3 main veins from the base.
Stipules generally present, may be modified into spines

3. Flowers: unisexual or bisexual, actinomorphic, small, hypanthium usually present

4. Calyx: sepals (4) to 5, triangular, fused to hypanthium rim; Corolla: petals (4) to 5, sometimes 0, generally
clawed, Inserted in mouth of hypanthium, more or less concave or hooded

o. Stamens: 4-5, opposite the petals, alternate with sepals, attached to rim of hypanthium

6. Ovary: superior to inferior

7. Fruit: drupe, sometimes a capsule or schizocarp

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is pumilus, Gerald Carr Ceanothus velutinus, Gerald Carr Ceanothus greggii, Patrick Alexander |

Rhamnus purshiana, Gerald Carr

184 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family

Frangula californica subsp. tomentel.

Ceanothus incanus, BLM California Frangula californica subsp. tomentella, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family

Familiar Western Genera - Shrubs: Amelanchier, Cercocarpus, Coleogyne, Fallugia, Holodiscus,
Physocarpus, Prunus, Purshia, Rosa. Herbaceous plants: Drymocallis, Geum, Horkelia, Ivesia, Potentilla, Sibbaldia

General Information

The Rosaceae is a large family of shrubs and trees valued for both fruits and popular cultivated genera. The
most important species economically belong to the genera Malus and Prunus. Food crops produced from these
genera include: apples, almonds, apricots, peaches, nectarines, cherries, and plums to name a few. Raspberries,
blackberries, pears, and strawberries round out the mix of favorite summer fruits. Many genera within this
family are popular garden plants, with the rose (Rosa), hands down, the most popular and widely cultivated
garden flower in the world.

In the central Rocky Mountains, the Petran Chaparral is a transition zone from montane coniferous forest to
treeless plains and plateaus. This is mostly a zone of winter-deciduous shrubs between 2000-3000 meters.
The vegetation here is somewhat similar to evergreen chaparral in height and Its thicket-like appearance.
Quercus gambelii is the dominant species, however Cercocarpus species are often locally abundant. This type
of chaparral can also be found mixed in with pinyon-juniper woodlands in both the Great Basin and Colorado
Plateau. The Rose Family include up to 90 genera and 2,950 species, divided into three subfamilies.

Physocarpus monogynus, Phil Krening

186 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Rosaceae Rose Family

Rosaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: simple to (a) palmately or (b) pinnately compound, usually alternate, stipules usually
present — often fused to the petiole

2. Flowers: perfect, actinomorphic, with a hypanthium; epicalyx or bractlets often present

3. Calyx: (a) sepals generally 5 (3-10), often appear as lobes of the hypanthium; Corolla: (b) petals generally
5 (3-10), can be absent

4. Stamens: (0 or 1) 5-many, attached at or near rim of hypanthium; Pistils: 1-many

5. Ovary: superior to inferior

6. Fruits: (a & b) achenes, follicles, (c) drupe or pome

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Potentilla crinita, Patrick Alexander

Prunus subcordata, Gerald Carr

Rosa rubiginosa, Gerald Carr Cercocarpus montanus, BLM Geum triflorum, Dale Swenarton Rubus deliciosus, Patrick
Colorado Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Rosaceae Rose Family 187

Rosa woodsii, Ron Wolf

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Spiraea splendens, Ron Wolf Geum triflorum, Loraine Yeatts

188 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Rosaceae Rose Family

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Fallugia paradoxa, Ron Wolf

Familiar Western Genera - Sarcobatus

General Information

Endemic to the arid interior of western North America, the Sarcobataceae was formerly included in the
Chenopodiaceae and consists entirely of two closely related species; Sarcobatus vermiculatus and Sarcobatus
baileyi. Greasewood is a hygrohalophyte, found growing in alkaline soils where underground moisture is present
at the surface, usually remaining about 1 meter below. It is an important winter browse plant for big game, but
can cause poisoning, especially in sheep, due to a high concentration of oxalates.

Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Phil Krening

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190 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Sarcobataceae Greasewood Family

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Sarcobataceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: monoecious, spiny shrubs, stems branched, spine-tipped

2. Leaves: simple, alternate, subterete, succulent

3. Inflorescence: pistillate flowers and staminate spikes on long, lateral branches

4. Flowers: (a) staminate flowers in terminal spikes, “catkin-like", apetalous, stamens 1-4 covered by
peltate bracts, (b) pistillate flowers solitary, with a cup-like, sometimes shallowly lobed calyx — lower
half of calyx fused to ovary with the upper half expanded into a winged border

9. Fruit: turbinate utricle

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Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Matt Lavin

Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Phil Krening Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Phil Krening

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Sarcobataceae Greasewood Family 191

Sarc

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obatus vermiculatus, Patrick Alexander

192 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Sarcobataceae Greasewood Family

Familiar Western Genera - Chrysosplenium, Heuchera, Lithophragma, Micranthes, Saxifraga, Telesonix

General Information

The Latin name Saxifragaceae means “rock-breaker" and indeed these are the mat-forming or cespitose plants
found growing in rock crevices in the alpine. Saxifrages excel at higher elevations in the temperate regions of
North America. Whiplash saxifrage is a colonizer of bare ground — found in alpine meadows and scree slopes.
Several genera: Astilbe, Heuchera, Bergenia, and Tiarella are highly valued ornamentals for both gardeners and
rock garden enthusiasts. The Saxifrage Family includes about 35 genera and 640 species.

— 3

Heuchera rubescens, Patrick Alexander

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Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family 193

Saxifragaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Plants: usually perennial herbs, some annuals

2. Leaves: generally alternate, usually forming basal rosettes

3. Flowers: bisexual, generally actinomorphic, with a hypanthium, inflorescence often scapose

4. Calyx: sepals usually 5 (3-10), commonly appearing as lobes of the hypanthium; Corolla: petals usually 5
(3-10 or 0), clawed, free

5. Stamens: as many or 2x the number of petals

6. Ovary: superior to inferior, carpels fused at base to form a compound lobed ovary with each lobe
extending into a stylar beak — curved styles that look like horns

7. Fruit: capsules or follicles

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Wolf Saxifraga californica, Saxifraga chrysantha, Phil Krening Heuchera parviflora,
Ron Wolf Phil Krening

Darmera peltata, Ron

194 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family

Saxifraga bronchialis var. ie Ron Wolf

austromontana, Phil Krening
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Tiarella trifoliata, Ron Wolf Heuchera sanguinea, Patrick Alexander Saxifraga caespitosa, Phil Krening

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family

Familiar Western Genera - Buddleja, Limosella, Scrophularia, Verbascum

General Information

The Scrophulariaceae is of major importance in horticulture. Many plants in this family are garden ornamentals
such as butterfly bush (Buddleja), figwort (Scrophularia), and mullein (Verbascum). In fact, Verbascum thapsus

is one of the most common roadside weeds in the West, with soft, densely tomentose leaves — it's a campers
friend in an emergency. With some exceptions, the corolla of plants in this family are strongly zygomorphic and
two-lipped, the upper lip 2-lobed and the lower lip 3-lobed.

Based on molecular evidence, the traditional Scrophulariaceae was divided into several separate plant families.
Current circumscription placed Penstemon and Digitalis in the Plantaginaceae, Pedicularis in the Orobanchaceae,
Mimulus in the Phrymaceae, with Scrophularia and Verbascum remaining in the Scrophulariaceae. Even after
numerous genera in the traditional Figwort Family have been moved, there are still roughly 59 genera and

1,830 species.

Scrophularia californica, Ron Wolf

196 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family

Scrophulariaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Leaves: (a) simple, (b) alternate or opposite, more or less entire, exstipulate

2. Flowers: generally bisexual, usually (a) zygomorphic or (b) actinomorphic

3. Calyx: sepals generally 4-5 lobed, may be unequal in size; Corolla: petals-bilateral to radial, 4-5 lobed
4. Stamens: 4-5 (didynamous if 4), or 5 equal stamens in Scrophularia, epipetalous

5. Ovary: superior

6. Fruit: capsule

Scrophularia lanceolata,
Gerald Carr

Scrophularia macrantha, Phil Krening Scrophularia montana, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family 197

aquatica, BLM Alaska

Scrophularia macrantha, Patrick Alexander — Verbascum thapsus, Patrick Alexander

198 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family

Familiar Western Genera - Datura, Lycium, Nicotiana, Physalis, Solanum

General Information

The Solanaceae has it all: vegetables — such as the potato and tomato, narcotic plants, deadly plants,

and highly prized ornamentals. Economically, the most important crop is the potato (Solanum tuberosum),
originating in the Andes Mountains. Tomatoes are perhaps the second most important, followed by eggplants,
peppers, and tomatillos. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) contains high levels of the addictive chemical nicotine
and has been used around the world for smoking, chewing, and snuff making. Highly toxic plants in this family
include deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), thorn-apple (Datura spp.), and black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger).

Many plants in this family contain alkaloids that are used to create intense hallucinations and intoxication.
Ornamental species with showy flowers or fruits include: petunias, tobacco plants (Nicotiana), angel's trumpets
(Brugsmansia spp.), chili peppers (Capsicum), and red lantern plants (Physalis alkekengi). Worldwide the
Nightshade Family consists of herbaceous annuals and perennials, shrubs, trees and vines composing about
100 genera and 2,600 species.

Solanum jamesii, Patrick Alexander

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Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Solanaceae Potato or Nightshade Family 199

Solanaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Stems: may be prickly or thorny, or covered with hairs

2. Leaves: simple to pinnately compound, generally alternate

3. Flowers: perfect, generally actinomorphic

4. Calyx: (a) sepals generally 5-lobed; Corolla: (b) petals generally 5-lobed, fused into a cup, funnel or
tube-shaped corolla

5. Stamens: 5, inserted on corolla tube, alternating with corolla lobes

6. Ovary: superior

7. Fruit: (a) berry, (b) loculicidal or septicidal capsule

Solanum physalifolium var. nitidibaccatum,
Gerald Carr

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Solanum spp., Phil Krening Seat obtusifolia, Nicotiana attenuata, Ron Wolf Nicotiana rustica, Phil Krening
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Solanum xanti, Patrick Alexander Datura stramonium, Gerald Carr

200 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Solanaceae Potato or Nightshade Family

Datura wrightil, Ron Wolf

Se Nicotiana obtusifolia, Ron Wolf Nicotiana attenuata, Ron Wolf

Chamaesaracha pallida, Patrick Alexander

Solanum ptychanthum, Ron Wolf Solanum umbelliferum, Ron Wolf

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Solanaceae Potato or Nightshade Family 201

Familiar Western Genera - Glandularia, Phyla, Verbena

General Information

The Verbenaceae is a cosmopolitan family of annual and perennial herbs, shrubs, and small trees. It is well-
known for ornamental herbs and shrubs (Lantana spp.) and as a source of essential oils for the perfume
industry. Fog fruit (Phyla nodulifera) is grown as a ground cover, and lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) is used
both as an herb to flavor liquor and in air-fresheners. Plants in this family have some recognition characters
shared with those in the Lamiaceae, such as 4-angled stems, opposite leaves, and a 4-lobed ovary. There are
roughly 32 genera and 1,000 species in the Vervain Family.

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Verbena hastata, Phil Krening

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202 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Verbenaceae Vervain Family

Verbenaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Stems: square in cross-section, generally hairy

2. Leaves: usually opposite, with the petiole bases fused by thin tissue across the node, generally
toothed, simple or compound, often strongly scented due to extrafloral nectaries

3. Flowers: perfect, usually zygomorphic, often in spikes or heads

4. Calyx: 4 or 5 sepals fused into cup-shaped persistent calyx; Corolla: 4 or 5-lobed, salverform to 2-lipped
or nearly regular

5. Stamens: generally 4-5, didynamous if 4, epipetalous

6. Ovary: superior, 2-4-lobed (due to false septa), ovary has a single terminal style

7. Fruit: 2-4 nutlets, drupe-like, or capsule

Verbena hastata, Phil Krening Verbena hastata, Phil Krening

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Verbena hastata, Gerald Carr

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Verbena hastata, New England Wildflower Society

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Verbenaceae Vervain Family 203

Phyla nodiflora, BLM California

Glandularia wrightii, Patrick Alexander Verbena neomexicana, Patrick Alexander

204 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Verbenaceae Vervain Family

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Familiar Western Genera - Fagonia, Kallstroemia, Larrea, Tribulus, Zygophyllum

General Information

Herbs and shrubs make up the Zygophyllaceae, which is sometimes referred to as the Creosote Bush Family
because the dominance of the species. Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is a warm desert shrub, found in the
western US in the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan Deserts. Desert scrub habitats have high-calcium, gravelly
soils with a deep caliche layer, a requirement of creosote bush that strongly influences the distribution of this
species in these southwestern deserts. Bicyclists and golden retrievers are no doubt familiar with the fruits of
puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris) otherwise known as “goats heads”. There are approximately 23 genera and
220 species in the Caltrop Family.

Larrea tridentata, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Zygophyllaceae Caltrop Family 205

Zygophyllaceae

Identifying Characteristics

1. Stems: jointed branches with swollen nodes that may have axillary or stipular thorns

2. Leaves: opposite (rarely alternate), with stipules that are well-developed at the node, pinnately compound,
or 2-foliolate to 3-foliolate

3. Flowers: perfect, actinomorphic, 5-merous

4. Calyx: sepals 4-5, free, basally fused; Corolla: petals 4-5, free, imbricate, twisted

5. Stamens: 10-15, often glandular or with an appendage

6. Ovary: superior

7. Fruit: capsule or a schizocarp splitting into 5-10 mericarps (=nutlets)

y
: NY Va Bey?
Larrea tridentata, Ron Wolf Tribulus terrestris, Gerald Carr

fs eens SG EAS PMCS ETT STOTT ROSIE OT

Kallstroemia grandiflora, Patrick Alexander —%

206 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Zygophyllaceae Caltrop Family

Be eae N
ee.

Guaiacum angustifolium, Patrick Alexander

Larrea tridentata, Ron Wolf

Kallstroemia grandiflora, Patrick Alexander

‘

Larrea tridentata, Patrick Alexander

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Zygophyllaceae Caltrop Family

GLOSSARY

The definitions in this glossary are derived from
the Floras and the taxonomy books cited in the
References.

Achene = dry, indehiscent, 1-seeded fruit; pericarp and
seed coat separate except at a single point

Actinomorphic = radially symmetrical

Alternate = leaf arrangement characterized by a
single leaf per node

Anther = pollen-bearing part of a stamen

Anthocarp = fruiting structure in which the fruit
is Surrounded by bracts, the lower portion of the
perianth, or tissue from the receptacle. In the
Nyctaginaceae, the base of the calyx acts like a
parachute to disperse the fruit.

Apetalous = a flower without petals or any trace of
petals

Areole = area on a cactus stem from which spines
and other structures are produced

Awn = stiff, elongate bristle; in Poaceae, a stiff, needle-
like pappus element

Axile placentation = in compound ovaries, a
placentation type characterized by the placentae
attached at the center of the ovary

Axillary = positioned in or arising in an axil
B

Banner = largest, upper petal of a flower in the
Fabaceae

Basal placentation = placentation found in which one
or more seeds or ovules are attached at the bottom of
the ovary

Berry = multi-seeded, fleshy indehiscent fruit as in a
blueberry or tomato

Bilabiate = 2-lipped, as in the corolla or calyx of many
plants in the Lamiaceae

Bisexual = both male and female parts occur in the
same flower

Blade = flattened, expanded portion of a leaf or petal

Bract = a much-reduced leaf subtending an
inflorescence, sessile flower or pedicel

Bulb = short underground stem and the fleshy
overlapping leaves attached to It, as in an onion

Calyx = collective term for sepals, the outermost
whorl of the floral series

Campanulate = bell-shaped

Capsule = dry, dehiscent fruit composed of two or
more united carpels

Carpel = a simple pistil; can be fused into a compound
pistil; often, the number of carpels is equal to the
number of stigma branches, styles or chambers of
the ovary

Caryopsis = dry, one-seeded indehiscent fruit with the
seed coat completely fused to the pericarp; fruit type
of the Grass Family (Poaceae)

Catkin = pendant, cylindrical raceme or spike
composed of dense, sessile, apetalous flowers

Cauline = pertaining to the stem, cauline leaves are
attached to the stem

Chaff = thin, dry scale-like structures subtending the
florets on the receptacle of plants in the Asteraceae

Circumscissile = a type of dehiscence in a dry fruit-
opening by a slit running around the circumference
with the upper part coming off as a lid

Claw = the stalk or constricted basal portion of a petal
or sepal

Column = a structure in an orchid flower formed by
the fusion of stamens to the style and stigma

Comose = bearing a tuft of hairs (e.g., seeds of
milkweeds)

Compound leaf = a leaf composed of two or more
segments

Connate = united; the fusion of similar structures to
one another

Corm = dense, underground vertical stem with dry,
papery leaf bases

Corolla = collective term for the petals of a flower

Corolla lobes = separate petal-tips of a sympetalous
corolla

Corolla tube = cylindrical portion of a sympetalous
corolla

Corona = series of appendages inserted on the
corolla; a crown

208 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Glossary

OO. Ul

Corymb = short more or less flat-topped or rounded
indeterminate inflorescence with pedicels of different
lengths

Culm = stem of grasses, sedges, and rushes

Cyathium = inflorescence of some plants in the
Euphorbiaceae, consisting of a single pistil and
several male flowers surrounded by a cup-like
involucre

Cylindric = cylinder shaped, elongate and round in
cross-section

Cyme = a branched, determinate inflorescence in
which the flowers bloom from the center outward or
from the apex downward

Cypsela = an achene with a pappus attached as in the
Asteraceae

D
Deciduous = falling off

Dentate = coarsely toothed along the margin, with
teeth pointing outward

Diadelphous = stamens occurring In two sets; a
stamen arrangement characteristic of flowers in
subfamily Papilionoideae (Fabaceae) in which nine
stamens are connate by their filaments and the tenth
is separate

Dicots = flowering plant in which the embryos have 2
seed leaves, flower parts in 4's or 5's or multiples

Didynamous = with four stamens in two pairs of
unequal length

Dioecious = having staminate and pistillate flowers
on separate plants of a species

Disk flower = tubular, usually actinomorphic and
usually perfect flowers of some Asteraceae

Distinct = separate

Drupe = fleshy, usually 1-seeded indehiscent fruit
having its seed enclosed in a stony endocarp; stone
fruit as in cherries, dates

E
Entire = a featureless leaf margin

Epicalyx = an involucel of bractlets that immediately
subtend the calyx of an individual flower (e.g.,
Malvaceae, Rosaceae)

Epipetalous = inserted upon the petals or corolla,
often applied to stamens

Eudicots = one of the major clades of flowering plants
composed of the majority of the classical dicots

Evergreen = remaining green throughout the year; not
losing all the leaves at one time

Exserted = sticking out; projecting from the corolla

Fascicle = a tight cluster or bundle

Filiform = threadlike; filamentous

Filament = the stalk of a stamen that bears an anther
Floral tube = elongated tubular portion of the perianth

Floret = in the Poaceae, the unit composed of a single
flower and Its immediately subtending bracts (lemma
and palea)

Follicle = dry dehiscent fruit derived from a single
carpel, splitting on one side, along a single suture

Free = neither fused to nor adherent to other parts;
distinct, separate

Free-central placentation = with ovules attached to a
central free-standing column within a unilocular ovary

Fruit = ripened ovary and its contents along with any
other structures which matured along with it

G
Glandular = bearing glands

Glochid = jn Cactaceae, a reduced, barbed bristle-like
spine

Glume = in the Poaceae, either of the two basal
bracts of a grass spikelet that do not directly subtend
individual florets

Gynobasic style = a style that appears to arise
directly from the receptacle or ovary base rather
than from the apex of the ovary; associated with the
4-lobed ovary in the Boraginaceae and Lamiaceae

Gynophore = an elongated stalk bearing the pistil in
some flowers

Gynostegium = a structure found in the Apocynaceae
formed from the fusion of the stamens to the stigma

Head = an inflorescence type characterized by an
aggregation of more or less sessile flowers on a
common receptacle; also referred to as a capitulum;
the inflorescence type in the Asteraceae

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Glossary 209

Hypanthium = structure formed by the fusion of the
bases of the sepals, petals and stamens; the shape
varies from disc-like to cup-shaped, or long-tubular

Hypogynous = sepals, petals and stamens inserted
on the receptacle “underneath” the base of the
superior ovary; no hypanthium is present

I
Imbricate = overlapping

Imperfect = flower lacking either stamens or pistils;
unisexual

Incomplete = flower with one or more floral series
missing

Indehiscent = not splitting open at maturity
Inferior ovary = sepals, petals, stamens inserted

above the ovary; thus, the ovary is below the point of
attachment; ovary is fused to a hypanthium

Inflorescence = the flowering part of a plant; all of the
flowers and associated parts arranged on a floral axis

Involucre = one or more whorls of bracts immediately
subtending a flower or inflorescence

Irregular = flower that is bilaterally symmetric;
zygomorphic

Keel = two lower petals of a papilionoid flower
(subfamily Papilionidae, Fabaceae) that form a unit
resembling the prow of a boat

Labellum = a lip; applied to the enlarged and often
elaborate lower petal of the orchid flower

Legume = dry dehiscent fruit derived from a single
carpel that dehisces along two sutures

Lemma = in grass spikelets the lower of two bracts
that together enclose the flower

Ligule = strap-shaped structure. In Asteraceae the
strap-shaped limb of a ray corolla or ligulate corolla.
In Poaceae, the membranous appendage arising from
the inner surface of the leaf at the junction with the
leaf sheath

Limb = the expanded portion or border of a
sympetalous corolla

Locule = cavity or chamber on the inside of an ovary

Loculicidal capsule = capsule that dehisces by -
means of openings into the locules

Lodicule = minute scales at the base of the ovary in
the grass flowers

Loment = indehiscent dry fruit derived from a simple
carpel that breaks transversely into one-seeded
segments

Mericarp = one of the one-seeded segments that
breaks away from the schizocarp

Monocots (monocotyledon) = flowering plant in which
the embryos have one seed leaf, generally flower
parts in 3s and parallel veins

Monadelphous = stamens with filaments fused into a
tube surrounding the ovary and style (e.g., Malvaceae)

Monoecious = having staminate and pistillate flowers
on the same plant

N
Node = point of attachment of a leaf to the stem

Nutlet = one of the one-seeded segments of the ovary
of a member of the Boraginaceae or Lamiaceae; small
nut

Ocrea = nodal sheath formed by fusion of two stipules
(characteristic of some Polygonaceae)

Opposite = two leaves per node, across the stem from
each other

Ovary = the ovule-bearing portion of the pistil
Ovule = immature seed
Pp

Palea = in a grass spikelet the upper of the two bracts
that enclose the flower (lower bract is the lemma)

Palmate = radiating from a common point of origin;
used for the leaflets in a compound leaf that point to
the apex of the petiole

Panicle = indeterminate branching raceme; many-
branched inflorescence

Pappus = modified calyx consisting of scales, bristles
or awns in the Poaceae

Parietal placentation = in a compound ovary without
septa (i.e. one locule) the placentae are attached to
the side walls of the ovary

210 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Glossary

Pedicel = the stalk of an individual flower in an
inflorescence

Peduncle = stalk that supports an inflorescence
including, including the stalk that supports a solitary
flower

Pepo = large berry derived from an inferior ovary,
characterized by a thick rind (restricted to the
Cucurbitaceae)

Perfect = a flower with both stamens and pistils;
bisexual

Perianth = collective term for the outer parts of the
flower, the calyx and corolla

Perigynium = sac-like hollow bract that encloses a
pistillate flower in genus Carex

Petiole = the leaf stalk
Petal = one unit of the inner whorl of the perianth

Phyllary = one of the involucral bracts of the head of
a plant is the Asteraceae

Pinnate = with leaflets arranged on both sides of a
common axis

Pistil = female reproductive part of the flower,
composed of stigma, style and ovary

Placenta (placentae) = the point or region where
ovules are attached to the ovary wall

Placentation = the arrangement of placentae within
the ovary

Pollinium (pollinia) = mass of adherent pollen grains
shed as a unit in Asclepias and the Orchidaceae

Pome = fleshy accessory fruit of inferior-ovaried
members of the Rosaceae derived from the fusion of
the hypanthium to the ovary wall

Poricidal capsule = capsule that opens by means of a
pore or series of pores

Raceme = unbranched indeterminate inflorescence
with a rachis and pedicellate flowers

Ray flower = a type of pistillate or sterile flower in
the Asteraceae with a flat, strap- or fan-shaped often
3-lobed outer portion of the corolla

Receptacle = in an individual flower, the structure to
which flower parts are attached

Regular = actinomorphic; perianth parts have 2 or
more lines of symmetry

Replum = the septum in a silique or silicle

Rhizome = elongate underground horizontal stem
which bears reduced scaly leaves, axillary buds

Rosette = tight cluster of leaves radiating from a
central area of attachment; generally basal

Rostellum = hollow cap borne at the end of the
column, covering the pollinia in the Orchidaceae

Rotate = wheel-shaped; a corolla with a very short
tube and a flat, circular limb

Salverform = describes a corolla with a slender tube
and an abruptly expanded flat limb (e.g. |pomopsis or
Phlox flower)

Samara = indehiscent winged fruit

Scape (scapose) = leafless peduncle arising from the
ground level

Scarious = with a dry membranous texture, often
translucent

Schizocarp = fruit derived from a compound
ovary that breaks apart into one-carpellate units
(mericarps), each of which contains one or more
seeds

Scorpioid = circinately coiled determinate
inflorescence; helicoid cyme

Scurfy = covered with scales

Sepal = one unit of the outer whorl of the perianth,
usually greenish

Sheath = in the Poaceae (and elsewhere) the base of
a leaf that enwraps the steam

Septicidal capsule = capsule that dehisces along or
within the septum

Septum (septa) = a partition within an ovary
Silicle = in the Brassicaceae, a short silique

Silique = in the Brassicaceae, a dry dehiscent fruit
that has two locules separated by a membranous
septum (replum); long and skinny fruit

Simple leaf = a leaf which is not divided into discrete
leaflets

Spike = unbranched elongated inflorescence with
sessile flowers attached directly to the rachis

Spikelet = in the Poaceae the portion of the
inflorescence consisting of the glumes and enclosed
florets

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Glossary ala

Spur = sac-like or tubular projection from a petal or
sepal

Stamen = pollen-producing part of a flower,
composed of anther and a filament

Staminode (staminodia) = sterile stamen that does
not produce pollen

Stolon = above-ground horizontal stem which roots at
the nodes and produces new plants, often at its tip

Stellate = in some hairs, radiating like the points of a
star

Stigma = pollen-receptive portion of the pistil
Stipule = pair of appendages at the base of a petiole

Style = more-or-less elongated portion of the pistil
between the ovary and the stigma

Stylopodium = in some Apiaceae flowers, a disc-like
to long-tapering enlargement borne atop the ovary at
the base of the styles

Succulent = thick and fleshy, Juicy

Superior ovary = ovary that has the other floral parts
(sepals, petals, stamens) inserted on the receptacle
below It

Sympetalous = with united petals
~

Tendril = thread-like twining structure by which a
plant supports itself

Tepal = segment of the perianth that is not clearly
differentiated into sepals and petals

Terete = cylindrical, round in cross-section
Terminal = at the tip or apex
Ternate = divided into threes

Tetradynamous = having four long stamens and two
short ones, as in the Brassicaceae

Thyrse = a compact cylindrical, pyramidal panicle or
ovate panicle with an indeterminate main axis and
cymose sub-axes

Trifoliolate = a compound leaf with three leaflets
Tubercle = small, wart-like projections
U

Umbel = indeterminate inflorescence with pedicels
arising from a common central point of attachment

Io Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Glossary

Utricle = bladdery achene with the pericarp loose and
fragile

Valvate = opening by valves, as in many dehiscent
fruits; meeting without overlapping when referring to
petals or sepals

Whorl (whorled) = circular arrangement with three or
more leaves or flowers at a node

Wing = either of the two lateral petals ina
papilionaceous flower (subfamiliy Papilionoideae,
Fabaceae)

Zygomorphic = bilaterally symmetric, divisible into
equal halves along only one plane

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214 Recognizing Plant Families of the West | References

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The creation of this field guide would not have been possible without the enthusiasm and support of all the
individuals that have participated in our Flora of the West presentation during classes offered through the
Bureau of Land Management's National Training Center (NTC), the Conservation and Land Management
Internship Program at the Chicago Botanic Garden, “Celebrate Wildflowers” events in Colorado, and other
educational events around the western United States. It has been a great honor to meet participants at
previous events who have provided useful comments which helped refine the presentation material and
shared the information with others. In particular, we'd like to recognize the following individuals for their
support: Lori Young at NTC; Dr. Krissa Skogen at the Chicago Botanic Garden; and Peggy Olwell, BLM Plant
Conservation and Restoration Program Lead.

Gathering the photographs for this guide was a gargantuan task. In addition to all of the individual
photographic contributors we owe a special thanks to the following individuals for allowing generous use of
their photographs: Ron Wolf; Patrick Alexander, botanist at the BLM Las Cruces Field Office; and Gerald Carr,
curator of the Oregon Flora Image Project at the University of Hawaii. Additionally, this work greatly benefitted
from images contributed by the national interagency Seeds of Success program.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Carol Dawson has served as the Bureau of Land Management's
Colorado State Botanist since 2001. Her main interests include
developing conservation strategies for rare plants on public lands,
rare plant monitoring, and native plant materials development. Carol
has mentored dozens of interns to provide relevant experience in
plant conservation and teaches plant identification classes. Prior

to coming to BLM Carol was the director of research at the Denver
Botanic Garden and taught classes on flowering plant identification
at the University of Denver.

Phil Krening is a Plant Conservation Specialist with BLM Colorado
(contractor). In addition to botany, his interests include landscape
conservation, invasive species management, and sampling design.
When he’s not designing rare plant monitoring studies, Phil likes to
spend his time behind the camera lens. As a photographer he's had
work published both online and in print publications.

Recognizing Plant Families of the West | Acknowledgements and About the Authors PAM,

Ae
ge =

Delta County, Colorado, Phil.krening

bene +

BLM Library

Denver Federal Center
Bidg. 50, OC-521

P.O. Box 25047
Denver, CO 80225

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